NRL Grand Final 2007
The Grubber Previews the Manly side

NRL News reporter ‘The Grubber’ spent time inside the Manly camp this week and gives us his preview of the Manly boys heading into Sunday.

Brett Stewart
Who said snakes have no sense of smell? Stewart knows how to sniff out a try better than almost anyone in the game.

Michael Robertson
His practised move of running deep into the in-goals to catch an Orford chip has been well documented. Melbourne might be able to defuse it, but a try from a Robbo “hit back” could still be in the offing.

Steve Matai
Would love to put in a few massive hits early. Always seems to be clutching some part of his body in pain though and he’ll need to pace himself for the full 80.

Steve Bell
Hates to be tackled and if sideway runs were record in the stats he’d be the leagues leading metre gainer. That said, he’s not a crab and his probing runs often result in a line break.

Chris Hicks
Wasn’t under any real pressure from Michael Bani to retain his spot, but anything less than the perfect finishes Manly fans have come to expect from him will raise questions.

Jamie Lyon
No one is really sure exactly what position he plays, but whatever he does do, he does well. Look for a big game from this kid.

Matt Orford
Went a long way toward burying questions over his “clutchness” in big game with the win last week. Always lifts against Melbourne and Sunday should be no different.

Jason King
Has come a long way in the last season or so and will need to be at his aggressive best in order to get over Cross and White.

Michael Monaghan
The heart and soul of the side will need to have his kicking boots on to match it with Cronk. Will look to catch the markers sleeping and draw a penalty from Archer.

Brent Kite
Finally realised this season that he is a massive unit who can punish defenders. Was superb against the Cowboys and will be key to the Sea Eagles chances.

Anthony Watmough
Possibly the most damaging second rower in the game at the moment. If given freedom to run wide of the ruck he will be devastating.

Glen Stewart
This underrated back rower is a fantasy league favourite and he will need to tackle for the full 80 to prevent Melbourne controlling the ruck area.

Luke Williamson
The Cougar is a tireless workhouse. All Manly fans will be hoping he stays alert around the ruck and can pick up the inside pass.

Travis Burns
Unlikely to get a run, but if he does he’ll need to keep his head and play smart, focused footy.

Glenn Hall
This mobile front runner should be able to adequately cover a King or Kite interchange.

Mark Bryant
Has been Mr Reliable for Manly this year and is a solid interchange forward in the mould of Neil Tierney.

Steve Menzies
The Beaver will bring some much needed big game experience. Knows how to break the line.

Jack Afamasaga
Was excellent against the Cowboys but will need to go to another level against the Storm.

Matt Ballin
Unlikely to get a run but if he does he will provide speedy service out of dummy half and a first class kicking game.

Adam Cuthbertson
This exciting front/back rower will be keen to offload at every opportunity. Needs to pick his moments carefullly.

By ricky

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