Experienced Manly five-eighth Blake Green says his team-mates must focus on their own roles ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster at Lottoland.
Green has been the perfect foil in taking the pressure off half-back Daly Cherry-Evans in his first season at the Sea Eagles, with the Manly captain returning to his career best form this season.
Just as importantly, Green’s calmness and composure off the field is playing a major role in the build up to the huge clash against the Penrith Panthers.
Penrith (6th), Nth Qld Cowboys (7th), and Manly (8th) are locked on 30 points with St George-Illawarra (9th) on 28 points. A Sea Eagles victory will see Coach Trent Barrett’s men take Manly to the finals for the first time since 2014.
“It is important we focus on our process this week. Focus on our role and our job for the team,’’ Green said.
“We are in a position where fate is in our hands. If we are good enough, we will be there.
“If we are not, then we have got no one else to blame which is a good thing.
“We are not relying on results. It is all on us to go out there and perform the best we can.
“It is our last home game and with a position in the finals on the line, it is going to be a big occasion.”
Green said the Golden Point victory over the Warriors in Auckland last Sunday to end a two game losing streak has given the players plenty of confidence.
“The best thing about it is that it still showed that we have got that belief and bit of grit about us,’’ Green added.
“We lost a bit of energy and intent in our actions the last three to four weeks and that showed in our results. I think we had that back on the weekend.”
Manly v Penrith, Saturday, September 2, Lottoland, 5.30pm
Head to Head
Played 84, Manly 50, Penrith 33, drawn 1
At Lottoland
Played 41, Manly 29, Penrith 12
Pre-purchase tickets here for Penrith game
Click here for Match Day Information.
