Des Hasler calls for ‘sympathy’ as Manly prepare to welcome back seven boycotters – صحيفة الصوت

Manly coach Des Hasler will opt for a “sympathetic” approach to the seven Sea Eagles’ players who stood down from the club’s 20-10 loss to the Roosters following the club’s decision to don a Pride jersey.

With the seven Manly stars set to return for next week’s clash with Parramatta, Hasler was full of praise for the effort his undermanned side showed against the Tricolours after a week filled with drama.

“It’s been very emotional in all different aspects,” Hasler said.

“I used the word before – sympathetic. We need to be honest, and certainly accountable

“It was so much to process this week – young people and issues and the social that goes with it, I hope it’s been a learning curve.”

Without the services of Jason Saab, Tolu Koula, Toafofoa Sipley, Haumole Olakau’atu, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Aloiai and Josh Schuster, beating the Roosters was always going to be a tall order for the Sea Eagles.

But on the back of strong displays from veterans Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic, Manly defied the odds to keep their top eight rivals honest throughout.

Cherry-Evans believes the experience could be a galvanising force for the club in the weeks to come.

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“I haven’t come off after a loss and been this quick to smile. Because when you sit back and think about what’s happened this week, all we ever asked was everyone to give their effort, give all they could,” Cherry-Evans said.

“I felt like everyone who came tonight got behind us. From a player point of view, I knew there wasn’t as much pressure as usual – we had some massive changes to our squad.

“I reckon everyone just wanted to see us commit to an effort for the club and that’s exactly what we did tonight. That’s why I’m so proud.”