THEY are the impressive statistics that will be put a smile on the face of Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey in the countdown to the finals.
Sea Eagles backrowers Anthony Watmough and Jamie
Buhrer have sent out a clear message that they are both ready to make a big impacts at the business end of the season.
The two forwards produced workaholic performances in Sunday's 15-12 win over the Titans on the Gold Coast.
In his 62 minutes on the field Watmough made 15 runs for a total of 167m, seven tackle breaks and 32 tackles.
Buhrer played the full game and ended up 17 runs for 151m, five tackle breaks and 30 tackles.
Watmough is a proven big game player whose presence has the ability of lifting the players around him.
His hard straight running on Sunday gave the team go-forward when it was needed.
"He definitely had a fantastic game," Toovey said.
The coach said Watmough was still struggling with his match fitness after coming back from a four-game suspension incurred during State of Origin.
And that made his effort on Sunday all the more commendable.
"The more games he plays leading into the semis the better he will be," Toovey said.
The quiet achiever Buhrer has make the most of his opportunities as a member of the starting side in the absence of the injured Glenn Stewart.
"He has been playing some good footy and improving every week
The big plus to come out of Sunday's game for Toovey was the side's defence following last week's comprehensive defeat by Souths.
"In the conditions it was quite hot and steamy after they had the rain the night before," Toovey said.
"It was a pretty impressive effort from all our forward pack.
"We were under the pump there and I was really pleased with our defence.
And he will be looking for the players to improve their handling on Friday's game with Parramatta at Pirtek Stadium.
"In the first half our completions were terrible, they have been not so great for the past few weeks," Toovey said.
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Jon Geddes
Manly Daily
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