Even Des Hasler is cracking asbestos jokes about old Brookie Oval.
But the last laugh may be on his Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles as local fans threaten to stay clear of Lottoland for Saturday night’s elimination final against Cronulla.
Tepid pre-game ticket sales have Manly officials worried the Cronulla Sharks won’t run out in front of a sea of maroon and white support.
It’s unclear whether Manly fans are potentially staying away due to the publicity over an asbestos find at the ground or if it’s general pessimism over their team’s chances.
The Sea Eagles have been hit hard by injury and suspension but Hasler is hoping there will be a big walk-up crowd on the night.
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Asked about the asbestos drama, Hasler said with a smile: “There’s a few one-liners out there.
“We’ve got to fill the hill ‘asbestos’ you can.
“Sorry, that’s all I’ve got.
“Look, this venue has always lived up to great games. There’s always been a good story to write.
“This hasn’t changed this week. We want all the Manly fans here to cheer on their team.
“You get that crowd behind you, it always helps. We want it at capacity.”
Asbestos problem solved 😬😬 #NRLFinals pic.twitter.com/xp7pI9L6xD
Manly are battered, bruised and almost down for the count on the back of a raft of injuries and suspension to enforcer Marty Taupau.
The Sharks, in stark contrast, will arrive at Brookvale close to full strength.
Hasler is not interested in playing up the ‘underdog with nothing to lose’ narrative, pointing out there is plenty to lose.
He said: “It’s always a good script but you don’t want to become victims of that mentality. Sometimes that’s the easy way out.
“We know we can be genuinely competitive against a very experienced team.
“We are a very young squad but they are pretty excited.
“How can you not be excited about playing a semi-final at Lottoland?”
Hasler is still to decide on his final 17 but there is every chance the forgotten Tony ‘T-Rex’ Williams’ will start from the bench.
There is also speculation winger Reuben Garrick will swap positions with fullback Brendon Elliot.