Manly Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett and Half back Daly Cherry-Evans respond to the four point loss to the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
A try late in golden point extra time to Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds has effectively ended Manly's 2016 finals hopes after a number of chances in the first half, as well as a pair of field goal attempts from Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic earlier in golden point.
“The boys are shattered and I couldn’t be more proud of their effort and fight,” Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett said.
“We knew we had to win to make the semi-finals and we gave ourselves every chance.
“I thought we still had our chances to win, but it wasn’t to be.
“They’re a top four side for a reason and they’re hard to score against. They don’t just give up points easily, but there are things we can improve on and we’ll be better for it.”
The team proudly wore this Multicultural Jersey bearing the flags of all the different countries that represent the heritage of everyone at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs during round 23 game against Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. The jerseys will be signed by the individual players and are available for auction HERE
It was the 15th time a match has gone to golden point this season, with Manly having been involved in two of those games. Despite winning once and losing another, Trent Barrett threw his support behind a review of the format.
"It's a lottery really in the end, we're having pot shots and they're having pot shots. The referees aren't game to make a decision because they'd be crucified if they make the wrong one. I think we do need to have a look at it."
Half-back Daly Cherry-Evans also supported his Coach in a review of the format and from a players perspective, ending the 80 minutes with a draw would be fine with him.
“I would be an advocate for Golden Point to be split down the middle for the 26 Rounds,” Cherry-Evans added.
“It doesn’t bother me the way it is at the moment, but if there were to be changes, I wouldn’t be disappointed to see the game move forward and call a draw during the year.
“I think we should let extra-time decide the big games in the finals.”
