Manly ready to buck the trend
http://rugbyleaguelive.com/Articles/4015/2009/02/18/Manly_ready_to_buck_the_trend.aspx
Jamie Lyon believes many Manly players are in the shape of their lives as they prepare to take on Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge (WCC).
Excuses were in short supply and motivation abounded on Tuesday as the Sea Eagles embarked on the crucial phase of their lead-up to the clash between the NRL premiers and the Super League champions at Elland Road on March 1.
"We've had a good off-season and a lot of the boys are in the best condition that they've ever been," said Lyon, who spent two seasons with Super League club St Helens in 2005-06.
"Things are shaping up pretty well."
Just a day after arriving in London, the Sea Eagles had a lively hit-out in positively balmy conditions compared to the freezing temperatures that led to heavy snowfalls in the capital earlier this month.
So the bitter weather conditions often blamed for Australian sides managing to win the WCC just twice since 2000 could turn out not to be a factor.
A strong pre-season and two weeks' preparation in the UK, including a trial against London Super League club Harleqins on Sunday, should stand the Sea Eagles in good stead against defending WCC champions Leeds.
And the chance to become the first NRL team to win the trophy since the Sydney Roosters six years ago is enticing to coach Des Hasler.
"We're taking it very seriously," Hasler said.
"We've had a really good off-season back home, we've trained really, really hard.
"Coming over here allows us to freshen up a little bit, a bit of mental stimulation, a change of environment and apart from all that it's just a wonderful life experience.
"For some of these players it's their first time to the Old Dart, so it's great."
The Sea Eagles' 23-man squad were set to enjoy a day off sightseeing on Wednesday before two more training sessions ahead of Sunday's match, where Hasler will trial two sides, one in each half.
Prop George Rose missed Tuesday's training session with a virus, but was expected to recover in time for the Quins game.
Meanwhile, Hasler said the bitter backroom stoush that has engulfed the club in Australia had not been a distraction for his players.
"It's probably good being away, but at the end of the day, it's just boards being boards, it's got nothing to do with us," he said.
"The players are too professional to let it distract them."
Captain Matt Orford agreed: "Our job is to play footy ... we can focus on the games ahead and enjoy ourselves a little bit."
"All the boys are very motivated and we want to get off to a great start this year and put ourselves in the best position to bring this trophy home," he added.
And if Britain's famously changeable weather does turn cold again when the squad heads north?
"We can't do too much about it, if it is cold, well we'll adapt the best we can," Orford said.
We've had a good off-season and a lot of the boys are in the best condition that they've ever been...
Jamie Lyon