If they are indeed fined, it will be their third fine in just two weeks, and Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is amazed that his side have put themselves in that position once more.
Despite the disappointing result for the Warriors, losing 20-10 – it is likely that they will be sanctioned, after interchange forward Jeremy Latimore – who was named on the bench 1 hour before kick-off, started the game ahead of Russell Packer, who was in the starting side.
“It was always going to be the case,” Cleary said of Latimore starting the match.
“I don’t know anything about it.”
In what was a very boggy affair, compounded with torrential rain, 8,680 fans braced the horrid weather, and saw a tight contest, that ultimately, fell the Sea Eagles way.
In more bad news for the Warriors, one of their best players so far this season in utility Shaun Berrigan, has suffered a suspected broken hand.
Despite Manly’s young guns performing well and shining through, Manly coach Des Hasler was still critical of his sides performance, as he expects his team to put opposition teams to the sword.
“We did what we had to do, we controlled the game fairly well, but what we need to do is go to the next level and start putting sides away,” he said.
“When we get back into it Monday and Tuesday, that will be the main topic of conversation – we need to finish it off and finish it off well.
“It’s got nothing to do with (having so many) young blokes, it’s called mentality, and we need to work on that mentality.
“It’s round six and we’ve got time do to it.”
Hasler was pleased however with the performance of second-rower Anthony Watmough, after he was suspended for a week for an off-field misdemeanor last week.
“He’s hard to handle … I’m pleased with his progress and he’s playing a real consistent footy,” Hasler said.
“That was one of his goals this year.”
Dally M Points
3 William Hopoate
2 Jamie Buhrer
1 Michael Oldfield