PROP Josh Perry delivered a message of defiance as a Manly side stripped bare by injury and suspension prepared to meet St George Illawarra.

The Sea Eagles forward, who will play possibly his last game for the seasiders before joining Super League club St Helens next season, declared the Dragons held no fears for Manly and his side was sure it knew how to beat the minor premiers.

"There's definitely no fear," Perry said.

"They're definitely beatable. We showed that earlier on in the season. We know how to do it and we know we can."

Manly scored a comprehensive victory over the Dragons in round nine, but lost a controversial contest last month. Since then, the Sea Eagles have been decimated.

Centre Steve Matai and prop Jason King were the latest players to succumb yesterday, handed seven-week and one-week suspensions respectively after pleading guilty to high-tackle charges.

Anthony Watmough (ankle) and Brent Kite (collarbone) remain in doubt.

In a sign of how desperate the situation has become for the 2008 premiers, coach Des Hasler named Foran in his side to play at Jubilee Stadium even though the New Zealand international has his arm in a sling.

Punters have rounded on the Sea Eagles. More than $65,000 was bet on St George Illawarra yesterday with TAB Sportsbet. Only $209 was placed on Manly.

The Sea Eagles are $5 outsiders to beat the Dragons and $41 to win the premiership.

Rather than flog his side on the training paddock, Hasler opted for a relaxed approach yesterday, taking his players for a game of putt-putt golf.

He dismissed suggestions his side would adopt a siege mentality in the lead-up to Sunday's game.

"I think this side is experienced enough and more professional than that," Hasler said.

"We don't need a siege mentality. We'll back ourselves and our own belief in each other. We're going there to win a game of football."

Perry is mirroring his coach's optimistic outlook. The NSW and Australia prop was in danger of missing the match himself, but scans on a foot problem cleared him of serious injury. He shapes as a pivotal figure in the absence of King and possibly Kite.

"No matter what anyone says, we have got a deep belief in ourselves," Perry said.

"Right now we don't know what our team is. It is really, really tough. Once Dessie gets it all sorted, we will get together, have a few chats and give it our best.

"Every game from now on is a one-off. It's my last game maybe in the NRL. We just have to get our team together and give it one hell of a shot when we get there."

Asked whether it would take a flawless game to beat the Dragons, Perry replied: "I don't know about flawless.

"Most games are won in the forwards and you have to defend really well. I'm certainly not going to leave anything out there."

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