Ball control a big focus for Barrett

“We scored 18 points against Newcastle last Friday night with 44 per cent of the ball and 65 per cent completion,’’ Barrett said today.

“If we can get 50/50 of the footy and complete well, we are going to score enough points.

“I thought defensively we were good last week given the amount of possession Newcastle did have.

“We will need to do that again, but we need to give ourselves a chance and hang on to the footy.

“Given the hot weather expected tomorrow, ball control is going to be paramount.”

Barrett said his players were excited about playing Parramatta in their first home game of the season at Lottoland.

We have got some really good supporters over here in Manly and the community is pretty excited about tomorrow

Coach Trent Barrett

“Every two points is important but your first game at home, you always want to get off to a good start.

“Parramatta are an uncompromising side. They are big and physical.

“Their halves in (Corey) Norman and (Mitchell) Moses, and Bevan French (at full-back) pose a real threat for us. They have (Jarrad) Hayne and (Michael) Jennings, so they are coming from everywhere. Their forward pack is big.

“They have been touted as a top four team by everybody and rightly so.

“We will get close to a full house tomorrow. It is going to be a good game.”

Manly vs Parramatta

Sunday, March 18, Lottoland

1.30pm: Gates open

1.50pm: Jersey Flegg Kick-off

4.10pm: NRL Kick-off

Buy tickets here

Head to Head

Played 137, Manly 82, Parramatta 51, drawn 4

At Lottoland

Played 63, Manly 42, Parramatta 20, drawn 1

Past 8 Clashes

Parramatta 6, Manly 2