Manly winger Jason Saab believes executing the blueprint his side utilised in their Round 26 win over the Bulldogs will be key to repeating that result when the two sides meet this Sunday.
Speaking to foxsports.com.au, Saab explained Manly’s game plan when they beat the high-flying Bulldogs a fortnight ago revolved around dominating the opening period.
“Besides the early try they scored on us that game I think we understood that we did start fast and we started aggressive and we initiated contact,” he said.
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“I believe we set the tone for that game.”
After conceding a Reed Mahoney try in the first minute Manly were at their bruising best, with their powerful middles getting the better of Canterbury’s infamous lighter pack.
According to the Fox Sports Lab, after 20 minutes the Sea Eagles had 64% of possession and 80% of the territory and had already run for more than double the amount of metres as the Bulldogs.
Leading the charge were starting props Taniela Paseka and Matt Lodge, who had 100 and 72 running metres after the 20 minute mark respectively. By comparison, Max King (42) was the only Bulldogs forward to have run for 20-plus metres.
Such a physical opening was key to Manly’s eventual 34-22 win, with four of the Sea Eagles’ six tries coming within the opening 31 minutes of the game.
Saab believes the opening period of the game will be crucial this Sunday, in what will be an emotionally charged first finals game for their hosts since 2016.
“It’s all about our start and staying at our game plan,” he said.
His sentiments echo those shared by Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo following his side’s heavy defeat to the Cowboys.
“The last three weeks the first 20 or 30 minutes we’ve given up 60 or 70% possession. It’s well documented we’re not as big as some of those teams. If you want to give bigger teams that amount of possession you’re going to put yourself under pressure,” he said in his post-match press conference.
Critically, the speedster was adamant Manly simply need to do more than just start fast if they are to end the Bulldogs’ fairytale season in the first week of the finals.
“(It’s about) not getting bored with what we’re doing,” he said.
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However, he insisted the Sea Eagles can’t expect the same performance from the Bulldogs, especially considering everything on the line for the Belmore club.
“It’s a completely different competition (finals), so we’re not expecting to face the same Bulldogs side from two weeks ago and I’m sure they’re not expecting to face the same Manly side,” he said.
“We’ll see who turns up on the day.”
Unlike the Bulldogs win, Manly weren’t at their best in their final round of the season clash with the Sharks.
Needing the two points to secure a home final the Sea Eagles were beaten by the Sharks, whose pack were physically imposing and resolute defence seemed to frustrate Manly.
Saab insisted there wasn’t much difference between the team’s preparation for the Canterbury and Cronulla games, explaining “we had the same intent and generally the same game plan.”
“Rugby league’s a real hard comp, to get two points this year it’s very, very hard. Obviously the Sharks are a quality side as well. Coupled with a few positional changes, it does change the dynamic of the team slightly,” he said.
“Ultimately most of it was just an attitude thing.
“We all take accountability in our own way for our performances.”
The 23-year-old, who is locked in at Manly until at least 2029, won’t feature in the first week of the finals due to an ankle injury, but admitted he’s hoping for a return next week, provided the Sea Eagles get there.
“At the moment it’s feeling pretty good considering the extent of the injury. I tend to be a pretty good healer, so I’m usually always back a few weeks ahead of schedule,” he said.
“For me at the moment my best case scenario is looking at week two of finals. This week was a bit of a stretch. I’m giving it every chance I can to be available for next week.”
Despite a return potentially on the cards, he did indicate post-season surgery could be required to complete his recovery, though noted “it’s not all set in stone.”
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While it’s “disappointing” to miss out on the club’s first finals game since 2021, Saab revealed he gains perspective from the injury plights of some of the game’s biggest stars.
“I try to take perspective out of Sam Walker and Brandon Smith, who’ve done their ACLs in the last two rounds,” he said.
“I’m nowhere near as bad as they are.”
One man who will run out for Manly on Sunday is star fullback Tom Trbojevic, who missed the Shark’s loss with an AC joint injury.
Saab, who suffered the same injury earlier this season, revealed the injections that will ensure the No.1, arguably the most important player at the club, will be fit to run out will be a massive help.
“It’s painful, but with a painkilling injection it honestly works so good, like you don’t really feel any pain,” he said.
“Turbo’s a tough fella as well. He’ll be sweet.”
If Manly do extend their finals push beyond this week, it’ll be added confirmation the club are “going in the right direction.”
“I’ve been at the club for four seasons and now we’ve had a couple of below par seasons and this year we’ve earned our spot in the finals,” he added.
While the present is brighter, the future for Manly may be even brighter.
Alongside Saab (23), Manly boast a fine collecting of young talent, including Tolu Koula (22), Haumole Olakau’atu (25), Tommy Talau (24) and Lehi Hopoate (19), while Reuben Garrick, Lachlan Croker and Tom Trbojevic (all 27) are entering their prime years.
Saab was quick to praise Talau, who traded the Wests Tigers for the Northern Beaches this season and quickly turned into a crucial cog in Manly’s side to become one of 2024’s best signings.
“He’s had an unreal season. I think very similar to Brooksy (Luke Brooks), coming from the same club, he just needed a change of scenery,” Saab said.
“Off the back of that (he’s) playing really good.
“It’s been a real (good) environment for them to thrive in, and that’s what they’ve done.”
The flyer, who could compete in a highly-anticipated 100-metre sprint on grand final day if Manly fail to progress that far, also heaped praise on the increasingly impressive Hopoate.
In particular, Saab singled out the teenager’s desire to craft his own legacy in rugby league, rather than live off the status his family name provides him.
“He comes from that lineage of footy players (and) the best thing about it is he’s really making his own name,” he said.
“He’s not living off the back of (brother) Will or (father) John. He’s making his own legacy.
“I’m so proud of him.”
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