Expect a strong response from the Sea Eagles against Parramatta at CommBank Stadium on Friday night following the side's abysmal not-so Magic Round performance against the Broncos.
Our spies in Brisbane tell us coach Des Hasler kept his cool immediately after the game but unloaded back at the team hotel, spelling out in no uncertain terms the team's weak spots and demanding a lift in intensity and commitment across the board. Few players were spared in the inquisition, with their pride in the jumper repeatedly questioned. Changes will be made if there is not a massive improvement.
Manly's inability to match it with teams above it on the table has been a problem for two years. The bad news is there are now eight sides ahead of the Sea Eagles, including their next two opponents, the Eels and Storm.
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Young centre Ben Trbojevic may miss some football unless he can play through a painful AC injury, while brother Tom will carry on despite being strapped up like a Harold Park trotter against Brisbane. Hasler insists Turbo is fit to play but the fullback is clearly not operating at 100 per cent since returning from a knee injury a fortnight ago. The Manly No.1 lit up the NRL last year but is a shadow of that player right now.
WILD ABOUT HARRY
If the sign of a truly great player is to be lauded by team-mates, coaches and rivals alike - then Manly rugby's Harry Bergelin belongs in the elite class.
The Marlins backrower, from a well-known rugby family, has been blown away by the messages of support and back slaps since announcing the end of his 182-game career following a serious hamstring injury.
Former Wallaby Steve Hoiles led the tribute, congratulating Bergelin "on a great club career".
Ex-Shute Shield captains Hamish Angus (Warringah), Andrew Cox (Parramatta), Hugh Sinclair (Norths) also sent messages of praise, while current Manly coach Phil Blake spoke highly of the flame-haired breakaway's contribution to the Marlins.
"I saw him as a kid and watched him play his first game and watched his last game. In between there was some fantastic football and he should be very proud of his career," Blake told Inside Back.
Bergelin told us: "I really appreciate all those who took the time to send a message. I'm still coming to terms with it (retirement). It's been a big part of my life and a big part of our family. I'm always going to be a fan of Manly rugby. I will be there watching and supporting and being part of the club in some way."
LEAVING HIS MARK ON MANLY
Manly 16ft skiff sailor Brett Davis has spent time at various clubs over his career without ever truly nailing his colours to one particular post. But after winning the Australian title with northern beaches locals Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page aboard Ronstan, Davis set out to prove once and for all where his loyalties lay when Manly held its annual presentation night last Saturday evening.
Before a packed room, he jumped on stage and unbuttoned his shirt to reveal the Manly Skiff Club logo tattooed on his right breast. It sent the crowd into a frenzy - but was it real?
Alas, Davis had to later come clean and admit the "tattoo" was actually just a very good stencil. The ink on his shirt was probably a good giveaway!
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