Of course there's pressure.
In fact, I reckon the focus on this game, and the Cowboys probs with Thurston at the judiciary, is taking pressure OFF Manly. I think they are specials in this premiership, although I hope my eels prove me wrong.
Hagan is handling the finals series brilliantly. The Prelim Final is Parra's speed bump, and under Smith we just ruined it. Even the one we won, v Brisbane in 01, Parra were a nervous shadow of what they were when they smashed the Warriors a fortnight before.
This year, for the first time, I have seen the teeth of Cayless and Tahu - both displayed in full dental glory after our last 2 tries on Saturday. We ae relaxed, a far better frame of mind that if Smith was in charge. I can still remember Mark Tookey's piece he did for the Footy Show during a Parra training run for a semi (98 from memory). He asked Smithy how he felt about Parra's finals chances. Smith looked at him and replied "You had better watch your weight, Mark" Poor Tooks!!!
For Hagan and the club, they won't shed the unwanted failure tag unless they put in against the Storm. If Melbourne flog us, we'd cop it. I don't think they will, though.
Hagan can take the Brian Smith monkey off the back for good on Saturday.