Winging it
Cowboy camp out
ADAM LUCIUS
27jul05
MANLY coach Des Hasler has called a snap two-day camp on the Central Coast as the Sea Eagles prepare to enter the most critical stage of their premiership campaign.
The Sea Eagles squad was last night given a brief camp itinerary but details are being kept to a minimum to ensure the players are kept out of their comfort zone.
The team will stay in hotel-type accommodation close to Shelly Beach, with Hasler hand-picking room-mates according to position.
A number of training activities are planned over the two days with the team eating together camp-style in communal dining areas.
With his team sitting eighth just six weeks out from the finals, the Manly boss is desperate to jolt the Sea Eagles out of a four- match losing streak and rescue a season that threatens to derail.
Manly faces the first of a series of late- season tests when they come up against North Queensland at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
``The players have come back from the bye all freshened up and now it's time to get down to work,'' Hasler said.
``That's what this camp is all about - two days' solid work and a chance to regroup for the run home to the finals.
``It's a vital stage of the season and we need to be switched on for it.''
Skipper Michael Monaghan added: ``The camp is basically to outline what we want to do over the next six weeks and to make sure we're all headed in the right direction.
``It's a get together away from Sydney so we can focus on what we have to do.''
Prop Jason King welcomed the chance to regroup in different surroundings.
``It will ensure everyone is focused and knows their responsibilities over the next six weeks and understand what's on the line,'' he said.
Manly CEO Pat Wilson declared: ``It's the tightest competition in history and Des wants us the best prepared we can be.
``It's a chance to regroup away from the spotlight before a crucial stage of the season. It's a must win for us this weekend - we can't afford five losses in a row.''
ADAM LUCIUS
27jul05
MANLY coach Des Hasler has called a snap two-day camp on the Central Coast as the Sea Eagles prepare to enter the most critical stage of their premiership campaign.
The Sea Eagles squad was last night given a brief camp itinerary but details are being kept to a minimum to ensure the players are kept out of their comfort zone.
The team will stay in hotel-type accommodation close to Shelly Beach, with Hasler hand-picking room-mates according to position.
A number of training activities are planned over the two days with the team eating together camp-style in communal dining areas.
With his team sitting eighth just six weeks out from the finals, the Manly boss is desperate to jolt the Sea Eagles out of a four- match losing streak and rescue a season that threatens to derail.
Manly faces the first of a series of late- season tests when they come up against North Queensland at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
``The players have come back from the bye all freshened up and now it's time to get down to work,'' Hasler said.
``That's what this camp is all about - two days' solid work and a chance to regroup for the run home to the finals.
``It's a vital stage of the season and we need to be switched on for it.''
Skipper Michael Monaghan added: ``The camp is basically to outline what we want to do over the next six weeks and to make sure we're all headed in the right direction.
``It's a get together away from Sydney so we can focus on what we have to do.''
Prop Jason King welcomed the chance to regroup in different surroundings.
``It will ensure everyone is focused and knows their responsibilities over the next six weeks and understand what's on the line,'' he said.
Manly CEO Pat Wilson declared: ``It's the tightest competition in history and Des wants us the best prepared we can be.
``It's a chance to regroup away from the spotlight before a crucial stage of the season. It's a must win for us this weekend - we can't afford five losses in a row.''
