The tough, gritty, Golden Point victory over the Warriors has given the Sea Eagles plenty of self-belief about delivering under pressure in tomorrow’s must win clash against Penrith at Lottoland.
Trailing 21-14 with seven minutes remaining, captain and half-back Daly Cherry-Evans kicked two field goals, one on each foot, to get his team home.
Barrett said there was plenty to take from the win in Auckland.
“There are no easy games in the NRL. It is amusing at times when everyone just expects teams to roll over and results to come. It just doesn’t happen like that. Every team in this competition is extremely competitive,’’ Barrett said today.
“Going to New Zealand is one of the toughest trips in the competition. I will take a one point win in New Zealand anytime. The character the team showed to win at the back end was something that was missing there for a couple of weeks. They got it back just in time.
“If the team doesn’t believe in each other and you haven’t got any character in the side, you can’t do that. We have been able to do it a few times this year.
“It gives us confidence going into these clutch games that if we do get in that position again, we know how to win it.
“We are very determined to win tomorrow night and put ourselves in the semi-finals. We haven’t been there as a club for a few years and that’s what we have all trained so hard for since November. We will get a good crowd (behind us).
“Penrith were everyone’s favourites to win the competition at the start of the year so all the pressure is on them, not us.
“It really is important for our fans, its’s really important for our players and our club that we perform well tomorrow night. I’m sure we will and we have got a lot to play for.”
When asked about what the Sea Eagles learnt from their 16-8 loss to Penrith in round 18, Barrett was quick to the point.
“Don’t lose a penalty count 14-4, that would help,’’ he said.
“It was two tries apiece and we lost on goals, and didn’t really have a chance to win that game. I am hoping we do get a fair crack tomorrow.
“I just don’t want a 14-4 penalty count again. Just an even contest would be nice, and that both sides are refereed consistently. That’s all any coach asks for.”
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.
