Manly are on alert for a desperate St George Illawarra, with interim coach Kieran Foran as aware as anyone of the threat of a team close to rock bottom.
Foran's men were beneficiaries of the 'new coach bounce' last week when they monstered the Dolphins at home, but it is often a lot more difficult for teams to continue that form for a coach's second game.
Although Manly are now off the mark in 2026, it was just two weeks ago that the Sea Eagles had lost three in a row and were booed by their own fans at home.
It's eerily similar to the Dragons' current NRL predicament, still winless and booed off the ground last week at Kogarah after going scoreless in a 32-0 thrashing at the hands of North Queensland.
But Foran is urging his side to go into their match-up blocking out the form that both sides had last week.
"We’re not the ones that are going to get carried away with last week's win," Foran said.
"It was a good performance, we needed it as a club but every week’s new in this game and you face new challenges each and every week.
With Dragons coach Shane Flanagan firmly on the chopping block, Foran reflected on similar times at Manly just a couple of weeks ago before the sacking of Anthony Seibold.
"We certainly know what we're in for," Foran said.
"They'll be desperate, there's no denying that, so we're prepared for that."
In just his second week as interim coach at Manly, Foran is determined to use last week's result to their advantage, without allowing his team to slacken off.
"It was a great confidence booster," Foran said.
"It certainly showed the guys what they’re capable of and the style of footy that we know we can play.
"We know we’ve moved on from last week and the boys are in a really good place."
"We've reset and we know it's a whole new challenge this week."
