THEY are the two “super subs” who have given the Sea Eagles’ premiership stocks a huge boost.
Fullback Peta Hiku and backrower Jamie Buhrer had big shoes to fill replacing injured stars Brett
and Glenn Stewart against South Sydney on Friday night.
And their pair proved to be two of the heroes in the gutsy 14-12 win at Central Coast Stadium.
Genuine contenders need players like that who can be relied upon when they get their opportunity.
“This is a quality team of quality team of quality players and even the players who came into the side to replace those who were injured went to another level,” said coach Geoff Toovey.
He said Buhrer did an exceptional job after getting a late call-up into the starting side when Glenn Stewart pulled out with a groin injury.
“He didn’t know he was playing until late in the afternoon which is always difficult to do,” Toovey said.
“He is not used to being an 80 minute player and he was just out on his feet and we had to replace him at the end there.”
Hiku also went into Friday’s game under plenty of pressure taking over from Brett Stewart who was in fine touch during the first half of the previous week’s game with the Storm
“Peta did a good job for us last year when Brett was out and he continued that form on Friday night,” Toovey said.
Not many people gave Manly a chance against the Rabbitohs, especially when Glenn Stewart joined his brother in the grandstand.
But hooker Matt Ballin said his team thrives when they are up against the wall.
“We love a challenge and those two guys are a massive part of our team, attacking wise and defensively as well,” Ballin said.
“I thought Peta Hiku did a great job and Jamie Buhrer on our right edge instead of ‘Gifty’ did an excellent job there as well.”
Brett Stewart is set to miss another week as he recovers from a hamstring injury but news was more positive abort Glenn ahead of Sunday’s game with Parramatta at Brookvale Oval.
“We are fairly positive he will be OK, he won’t run until later in the week and we will get a better indication then,” Toovey said.
“Glenn was close to playing (against Souths) and underwent a fitness test on the morning of the game.
“It was a bit tender and we just couldn’t take that risk with the injury toll we have got at the moment.”
Anthony Watmough was charged with a dangerous contact offence from the Souths match. If he pleads guilty he won’t miss a game.
Jon Geddes
Manly Daily
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/sea-eagles-super-subs-jamie-buhrer-and-peta-hiku-shine/story-fngr8iii-1226857244547
