BK warns, don't drop the bundle
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2007/08/31/6194_sports.html
FORMER Manly great Ben Kennedy has stressed to the Sea Eagles the importance of winning Sunday's clash with the Dragons in their hopes of winning the premiership.
Kennedy told the Daily he believes the Sea Eagles have the artillery to win the competition but said it was vital Manly went into the finals on the back of a win.
The Sea Eagles, who wrapped up second position three weeks ago, have lost their last two matches to South Sydney and the Warriors.
``If I was Dessy I would be really worried if Manly lost again this week,'' Kennedy said from his Queensland home last night.
``You don't want to go into a finals series losing three games in a row. I know a few of the boys have been rested the last couple of weeks but you still want to be winning games.
``You get confidence from that so it's important to get a win up this week. Hopefully Ox (skipper Matt Orford) can have a big game and get the boys up.''
Despite his concerns over Manly's losses in the last two weeks, Kennedy still believes the side has the capability to challenge Melbourne and the Bulldogs for the title.
``I'm probably a bit biased but I think we've got a great chance,'' he said.
``The defence has been outstanding all year. There's a lot of powerful teams that will have a say but if you get your defence right your halfway to winning it.''
Sea Eagles back-rower Glenn Stewart agreed with Kennedy that momentum would be crucial heading into the finals.
``We've had a couple of hiccups over the past month but we definitely want to go out and put a good performance in and put ourselves in good stead for the semis,'' he said. ``We know how serious it is and how important it is and we've got to switch on.''
Meanwhile centre Steve Matai has admitted he's still ``a mile away'' from a return to action due to his neck injury. ``It's just a week by week thing but hopefully it settles down and I will be right soon,'' he said.
