New Manly Warringah Coach Trent Barrett has described the Auckland Nines victory over the Warriors as one of the toughest he has seen.
The Sea Eagles lost Captain Jake Trbojevic (concussion) and Jamie Buhrer (suspected broken jaw) but managed to show their famous grit and determination to record a gutsy 15-12 win tonight on the opening day of the two-day event.
Buhrer and Trobjevic were taken to hospital for scans.
Barrett said the tremendous effort his men showed was testament to the hard work the players put in during pre-season training.
"I haven't been too focused on the results. I just wanted them to play for each other and they're doing that," Barrett said.
"It definitely gives us something to build on which is probably the most pleasing thing for me – that they care about the results.
“Tournament aside, they want to win for each other and whatever happens from here, I’ll be very happy with what I've seen.
"Injuries are part of the game I guess but it was a very gutsy effort overall and I'm very proud of them."
In his first game day back from suffering a season ending knee injury on ANZAC Day last year, Buhrer was on the end of a high tackle from Warriors back-rower Albert Vete.
Trbojevic suffered concussion after colliding with the knee of Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell.
The Sea Eagles will monitor winger Jorge Taufua who missed today’s matches with a leg injury.
Earlier, the Sea Eagles recorded a last minute win over the Brisbane Broncos thanks to a try to new hooker Matt Parcell against his former NRL club.
The Sea Eagles sit on top of the Hunua Pool heading into tomorrow’s match against the Bulldogs to determine where they finish for the finals series.
