Match Preview: NSW Cup Round 14 vs Souths

The Sea Eagles may have won just one game to date but have shown numerous times, especially over the past month, they have the talent and roster to be much higher than the ladder shows.

It was the case again in last Saturday’s 34-20 loss to Newtown. Locked in a dog fight after 20 minutes with a 6-4 lead, the Sea Eagles let the game slip through their fingers with the Jets running in three tries in seven minutes to lead 24-4 at half-time.

After conceding the first try of the second half to trail 30-4, Manly produced another comeback with three late tries to again come up short to make it 10 straight losses.

“I can’t question our players’ effort. It’s been unbelievable,’’ Kimmorley said.

“Their ability not to give up has been there right throughout the year because we have scored multiple tries late in a game.

“We just need to be able to handle the arm wrestle better, work a bit harder when the game is on the line, and want to fight and scrap for it.

“In saying that, I thought our attack against Newtown was the best it has been this season.

“Having our spine players back gave us a lot more creativity. (Half-back) Joey Walsh was outstanding and (five-eighth) Onitoni Large did some good things.”

The Sea Eagles get another opportunity to break through for their second win when they host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Brookvale.

The two teams met just three weeks ago with the Rabbitohs winning 26-18.

Hard running centre Josh Feledy and winger Blake Wilson return to the team after playing in the Manly NRL side in the past fortnight.

“We’re chasing that win, chasing that confidence and looking for players who want to work really, really hard,’’ Kimmorley added.

“Hopefully we will see a bit of hunger on the field and a bit of desperation.”

Kick-off in the NSW Cup on Saturday, June 6, is 3pm following the Jersey Flegg match at 1pm.