Bring it on, says Brent
“THEY’LL be the underdogs and Des will be loving that.â€
The NRL’s biggest grudge match in years finally takes place tomorrow night at ANZ Stadium, and Sea Eagles prop Brent Kite didn’t sit on the fence when quizzed about the mood in the Manly camp heading into the round eight game against Des Hasler’s Bulldogs.
“We’ve been told to keep a lid on it but everyone’s excited,†Kite said.
“And it adds a bit of extra spice to what would otherwise just be a round eight game.
“It’s good for the game, it’s good for the telly and it’s good for some of the younger guys who’ve not been involved in some of these bigger games.
“So it does have a bit of added value.â€
Bus loads of maroon and white supporters are tipped to make the journey to Homebush, where Canterbury coach Hasler will be public enemy number one.
Despite leading Manly to premierships in 2008 and 2011, diehard fans have not forgiven the Long Reef resident for bailing out in November.
And in recent weeks, talk of Hasler trying to snare off-contract Kieran Foran and Tony Williams to Belmore in 2013 has infuriated the Brookvale faithful.
Kite still has plenty of time for his former coach but conceded a degree of animosity is in the air.
“The general feeling is that no love is lost there,†he said.
“I can only speak for myself and say I’ve had words with Dessie and I think we’re in a pretty good place.
“I’ve thought about him in the lead-up to this game and what he might pull out of the bag. He’s a professional and won’t let anything affect the Bulldogs.â€
Manly coach Geoff Toovey isn’t concerned about Hasler knowing the majority of his players inside out.
“Most coaches know the strengths and weaknesses of all the players in the competition,†he said.
Andrew Prentice The Manly Daily
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/bring-it-on-says-brent/