Jason Saab, a winger for Manly, thinks that when the two teams play on Sunday, the secret to replicating the victory against the Bulldogs in Round 26 will be following the same plan.
In an interview with foxsports.com.au, Saab revealed that Manly’s strategy for defeating the fast-paced Bulldogs two weeks prior centered on controlling the first half of the game.
“I think we understood that we did start fast and we started aggressive and we initiated contact, aside from the early try they scored on us that game,” he remarked.
“I think we influenced the game’s atmosphere.”
Manly were at their brutal best after giving up a try to Reed Mahoney in the opening minute, their strong middles defeating Canterbury’s notorious lighter pack.
The Sea Eagles possessed 80% of the territory and 64% of the possession after 20 minutes, according to Fox Sports Lab. They had also had run for more than twice as many metres as the Bulldogs.
Taniela Paseka, the starting prop, and Matt Lodge, the starting back, led the charge with 100 and 72 running meters, respectively, after 20 minutes. In contrast, the only Bulldogs forward to have sprinted more than 20 meters was Max King (42).
Manly’s final 34-22 victory was largely due to their physical start, as the Sea Eagles scored six tries in the first 31 minutes of the match.
Saab thinks that in what will be an emotionally charged first finals game for their hosts since 2016, the first part of the game this Sunday will be critical.
“Our starting point and sticking to our game plan are crucial,” he stated.
Following his team’s crushing loss against the Cowboys, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo expressed similar feelings.
“Over the past three weeks, we have given up 60–70% possession in the first 20–30 minutes. We’re not as big as some of those teams, as is widely known. If you’d like to allocate that sum to more dominant teams.
Crucially, the speedster insisted that Manly had to do more than just get off to a quick start if they wanted to spoil the Bulldogs’ dream season in the opening round of the playoffs.
“It’s important to keep enjoying what we’re doing,” he remarked.
But he maintained that the Sea Eagles cannot expect the Bulldogs to play to the same level, particularly with the Belmore club’s future in jeopardy.
“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. “It’s a completely different competition (the finals).
“We’ll wait and see who shows up that day.”
In contrast to the Bulldogs’ victory, Manly’s performance in their season-ending match against the Sharks wasn’t at its peak.
The Sea Eagles, who needed two points to go to the home final, were defeated by the Sharks, whose formidable pack and unwavering defense seemed to irritate Manly.
Saab maintained that there wasn’t much of a difference in the team’s readiness.
Due to an ankle injury, the 23-year-old, who is committed to Manly until at least 2029, will not play in the first week of the finals. However, he acknowledged that, should the Sea Eagles advance, he hopes to play next week.
“Considering the severity of the injuries, it feels very decent right now. I’m usually returning a few weeks ahead of schedule since I’m a really good healer,” he remarked.
“At this point, I see week two of finals as my best case scenario. It was a bit of a stretch this week. I’m doing all in my power to be accessible the next week.
Even if a comeback might be imminent, he did say that post-season surgery would
