Manu eager to end Hull hell - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Manu eager to end Hull hell

By Dominic Hodgson 02/07/2009 12:26:21 PM Comments (0)

Forward Willie Manu insists he is ready to get Hull's faltering Super League play-off bid back on track after watching the team's form nosedive in his absence.

The former NRL journeyman, who has played for Wests Tigers, South Sydney and St George, has recently returned to action after a spell on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage.

Hull stormed to the top of the English table after beginning the season with five straight wins. But Richard Agar's men have won just three of their last 13 matches and have dropped to ninth ahead of the visit of champions Leeds Rhinos.

Manu, who was one of their standout performers in the blistering start, believes they can still make the top eight.

"I'm sure we will be in the play-offs at the end of the season," Manu said.

"We have just got to stick together and play as a team as we were at the start of the season.

"It's good to be back out on the pitch helping the lads and I'm not far off full fitness now.

"There's a lot more to come from me and if I keep working on my game I will get back to where I was."

Former Australia star Shaun Berrigan is set to start again at scrum-half for Hull, with Chris Thorman woefully out of form, while ex-Sydney Roosters prop Peter Cusack will be absent with a wrist injury.

Rhinos veteran centre Keith Senior will make his 500th first-team appearance, the most by a current Super League player, at the KC Stadium.

Harlequins coach Brian McDermott has promised to wield the axe ahead of their trip to Wigan.

Quins have lost their last two matches, to Leeds and Wakefield, and McDermott, who will have Will Sharp, Jon Wells and Chad Robinson back from injury, said: "The players have got to become more accountable.

"I dropped a couple of players before the Wakefield game and the team will change again against Wigan."

Salford centre Willie Talau will miss facing former club St Helens after being ruled out with a thumb injury and starlet Richie Myler is still out with a heel problem.

Saints are expected to be unchanged from the side that beat Celtic Crusaders 30-0 to consolidate top spot last weekend.

Former Manly star Michael Monaghan will look to celebrate his contract extension at Warrington with a win against the Crusaders.

Monaghan, who has filled in at hooker in recent weeks, ended speculation that he would be returning to Australia by agreeing to stay for a third year with the Wolves.

The Crusaders are again set to promote several academy prospects into their squad as they have just 16 fit first-teamers.

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