Manly will make a point of managing Tom Trbojevic's workload in a bid to make sure the NRL's most valuable hamstrings are fit for the finals.
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Trbojevic's 11-minute hat-trick against Cronulla was the latest highlight in a brilliant season, wrapping up the Sea Eagles' top-eight spot in the process.
It also helped set up one of the most anticipated clashes of the year on Saturday night between Manly and Melbourne, who are now the two form teams of the competition.
Trbojevic was pulled early in the Sea Eagles' big 40-22 win, with coach Des Hasler confirming there were no concerns over his fitness.
Instead, it forms part of a bigger plan to rest him when possible with Trbojevic so crucial to Manly's finals campaign.
"There's a short turnaround, he's okay," Hasler said.
When asked if it was something Manly planned on continuing in the lead up to the finals, Hasler replied: "Constantly"
Manly were shot in the opening month of the competition without Trbojevic and his injured hamstring, but have since won 12 of their past 15.
They also remain a ridiculous 34.6 points per game better off when the Wally Lewis Medal winner is on the field.
But Hasler knows they still have to be better against the Storm this weekend, with a top-four spot now a legitimate possibility.
Manly only completed at 65 per cent in the first half against the Sharks on Monday night, giving away some of their chances early.
They have also let in more than 20 points in three of their past four games.
"You certainly can't give them (Melbourne) any opportunity," Hasler said.
"We have to try and limit that as much as possible. Certainly turning over the ball in their own end.
"You have to really limit field position with them.
"That's what they are good at. They are really good at strangling sides and forcing guys into errors."
Australian Associated Press
