Match Preview: NSW Cup Round 7 vs Warriors

The Sea Eagles suffered their biggest loss of the season in round six last Saturday in going down 52-12 to St George-Illawarra in Wollongong after trailing 30-6 at half-time.

It was a big setback for the Sea Eagles who showed great determination the week before to fight back twice against the North Sydney Bears in a 26-18 loss.

Unfortunately for Manly, it was their fourth straight loss in five games.

Sea Eagles Coach Brett Kimmorley said it was a very disappointing performance against the Dragons.

“I felt we had a good side on paper, and we trained well at our captain’s run. We were all very disappointed with the way we played,’’ Kimmorley said.

“We gave up possession; we gave up tries and didn’t give ourselves a chance to even try to win the game.”

Kimmorley said there has been a lift in intensity at training ahead of Saturday’s game against the Warriors at Go Media Stadium.

The Warriors have won three of their six games to sit eighth. Manly sit 13th.

“We need to be more physical in defence and need more combination and talk against the Warriors,’’ Kimmorley added.

“Hopefully by doing this, it will get us into the game and if we are willing to compete, we’ve got enough good attacking players in our side to score some points.

“I’m looking for a much-improved performance.”

Tough young prop Sebastian Piukala has been rewarded for his good form in the Jersey Flegg side by being promoted to the NSW Cup team.

Kick-off is 12.15pm (AEST).