Manly Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab believes that replicating their Round 26 blueprint against the Bulldogs will be key to success when the two sides meet again this Sunday in the NRL finals. In an interview with Fox Sports, Saab discussed the significance of dominating the opening minutes, which proved crucial in their recent 34-22 win over the high-flying Canterbury Bulldogs.
Saab emphasized the importance of setting the tone early, explaining that despite conceding an early try, Manly’s aggressive start and physical dominance in the opening period allowed them to gain control of the match. “We understood that we did start fast, we started aggressive, and we initiated contact,” Saab said. “I believe we set the tone for that game.”
Dominating the Bulldogs in Round 26
In that earlier meeting, Manly’s forward pack, led by starting props Taniela Paseka and Matt Lodge, overpowered the Bulldogs’ lighter pack, securing 64% possession and 80% territory after just 20 minutes. Paseka and Lodge racked up significant early running metres, with Paseka accumulating 100 metres and Lodge 72 metres within that period, while Bulldogs forward Max King could only manage 42 metres.
This physical dominance laid the foundation for four of Manly’s six tries in the match, scored within the first 31 minutes. Saab noted that this kind of fast and aggressive start will be essential again this Sunday, particularly with the emotional intensity of the Bulldogs’ first finals appearance since 2016.
“It’s all about our start and staying at our game plan,” Saab reiterated, though he acknowledged that the Bulldogs would not be the same team they faced two weeks ago. “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.”
The Challenge Ahead for Manly
Manly Sea Eagles will need more than just a strong start to eliminate the Bulldogs from the finals, with Saab stressing the importance of staying consistent throughout the game. “(It’s about) not getting bored with what we’re doing,” he said, emphasizing the need for sustained focus to finish the job.
Despite their strong performance against the Bulldogs in Round 26, Manly struggled in their final round loss to the Cronulla Sharks, missing a crucial opportunity to secure a home final. Saab pointed out that the team’s preparation for both games was similar, but their execution faltered against a more physically imposing Sharks side. “Rugby league’s a real hard comp… Ultimately most of it was just an attitude thing,” Saab admitted.
Saab’s Injury Status and Finals Hopes
Although Jason Saab will not feature in this weekend’s clash due to an ankle injury, the 23-year-old remains hopeful for a return in the second week of finals if Manly advance. “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 shared, adding that post-season surgery might be required, though nothing is set in stone yet.
Manly’s star fullback, Tom Trbojevic, is expected to return to the field after missing the final regular season game with an AC joint injury. Saab, who suffered the same injury earlier this year, reassured fans that Trbojevic would be fit, thanks to painkilling injections. “Turbo’s a tough fella… He’ll be sweet,” Saab said confidently.
Manly’s Young Talent Ready to Shine
Looking beyond this season, Saab praised Manly’s young talent, including Tolu Koula, Haumole Olakau’atu, and Lehi Hopoate, who have shown great promise. Saab highlighted Tommy Talau, a key signing from the Wests Tigers, as one of the team’s standout performers in 2024. “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 remarked.
As Manly gears up for their first finals appearance since 2021, the Sea Eagles are determined to show they belong in the finals and push for a deep run. Saab concluded, “I’ve been at the club for four seasons and now we’ve had a couple of below-par seasons, but this year we’ve earned our spot in the finals.”
The Sea Eagles will need to bring their best performance this Sunday, as they aim to extinguish the Bulldogs’ fairytale run and advance deeper into the NRL finals.
