DAMAGING statistics over the past three years displaying Anthony Watmough’s healthy appetite for the Roosters is what Manly need on Sunday afternoon to continue their drive towards the NRL finals.

In Watmough’s past five games against the Bondi Junction-club, the Narrabeen junior has averaged a powerful 157.6m metres.

Of those games, the Sea Eagles have easily triumphed, scoring a whopping 210 points to the Roosters’ 38.

His 2010 season average is well down on those numbers, averaging 113.61m from 21 outings this year.

Manly great Bob Fulton said the numbers simply show how important Watmough is for the Sea Eagles cause.

“Looking beyond the Roosters, Manly will need him at his best,” Fulton said.

“He’s been playing with niggling injuries and obviously that’s a bit of an issue at this time of the season.

“One thing about him, he always gives 100 per cent.

“He’s a senior player and I think the form he has shown in the past two or three weeks shows he’s playing well.

“He just needs to continue that.”

Watmough is still in a little doubt for the vital round 25 clash at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The damaging NSW second-rower is battling an ankle complaint, but is tipped to play.

The Sea Eagles do not expect prop Josh Perry (kneecap) to line-up, while young fullback William Hopoate (hamstring) is also doubtful.

Utility back Ben Farrar (knee) is another hoping to play in a match Manly need to win.

“We’ve got to be up to our A game,” prop Matt Cross said.

“We are a bit depleted (with injuries), we just have to step up and take care of the job.”

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