Friend writes off Manly
03/09/2008 2:50 PM
Adam Lucius
Sportal
There was no avoiding Nathan Friend when he came out swinging with a wild flurry of punches on Monday night, but Manly prop Josh Perry was happy to duck and weave a fresh assault from the fiery Gold Coast hooker on Wednesday.
This time Friend's attack was verbal rather than physical, questioning Manly's premiership credentials after a patchy 28-10 win over a depleted Titans in a spiteful encounter at Brookvale Oval.
Friend received a one-week suspension for instigating a blue with Perry after the Sea Eagles front-rower stung Titans prop Daniel Conn with a swinging arm.
The Titans rake then wrote Manly off as a title threat, declaring: "I really don't think they had too much to offer (on Monday night)."
"I dare say they've got a few things to work on if they want to be in any contention for the grand final."
Perry counter-punched: "I'm not too worried. They'll be celebrating Mad Monday on Monday and we'll be out training for the semi-finals."
"I don't really know where it's all come from but they are the least of our worries."
"There's a lot of self-belief and confidence in this team."
Manly second-rower Glenn Hall added: "I think it's silly for them to say that. It's a little sooky."
"We'll see them again next year if they want to have a crack."
Manly pair Glenn Stewart and Steve Matai were both charged with high shots as Monday night's game threatened to spill out of control.
Manly coach Des Hasler blamed referee Jason Robinson for contributing to the niggle.
"The players get frustrated because of the interpretation of some of the penalties," he said.
"I think that is one area Jason can improve on."
"We've had Jason three times now and in that time we've had 60 penalties (overall in the matches)."
"I think the players just want to play footy."
