Manly favourites for Warriors match

The New Zealand Warriors fly to Sydney this week as clear underdogs for sudden death Saturday as support firms for Manly to win the National Rugby League (NRL) title.

Australia's TAB Sportsbet confirmed a $50,000 wager on Manly at $3.25 yesterday to win the premiership, before they shortened to $3.10 as the contenders were narrowed down to four last night.

Defending premiers Melbourne shortened to $1.90 favouritism after their last-gasp 16-14 win over Brisbane but have a nervous wait over whether their captain Cameron Smith will be cited tomorrow and potentially suspended for a grapple tackle on Brisbane's Sam Thaiday.

Key Melbourne forward Ryan Hoffman (ankle sprain) was also rated highly unlikely to face Cronulla in Friday's first grand final qualifier.

The Warriors' 30-13 win over the Sydney Roosters saw their price cut from $13 to $6.50 to win the premiership while Cronulla, who enjoyed the weekend off, were $7 outsiders.

Last year's beaten grand finalists Manly also put their feet up after a 38-6 dispatch of the Dragons in week one.

They got a further boost when injured prop Josh Perry (knee) and centre Steve Bell (calf) trained on Friday and were rated excellent chances of facing the Warriors at the Sydney Football Stadium.

A club spokesman said experienced utility Luke Williamson (hamstring) was the only Sea Eagle on the injured list.

Still, the injury-free Warriors' elimination of the Roosters stamped them as genuine finals contenders and had the Australian sides taking notice.

"The Warriors have got the emotion and confidence on their side. Ruben Wiki is on fire and leading the charge," veteran Sharks halfback Brett Kimmorley told Channel Nine today.

"Also they've got the confidence in beating the top sides. They beat Melbourne and they've now fronted up and handled the composure part really well. They've got some good control now."

But that wasn't enough for Kimmorley to label the Warriors to topple the Sea Eagles.

"With Manly, you can feel like you're going okay against them and then they just up the tempo a bit and score 18 points and the game's over.

"I don't know if the Warriors will handle their skill factor.

"We struggled against Manly because you have Glenn Stewart with his footwork, Anthony Watmough, Steve Menzies, they generate quick play-the-balls and the Warriors, if they start going backwards with their bigger blokes then they'll struggle."

Sharks coach Ricky Stuart said the Warriors' resurgence had surprised him, but after their dominant win over the Roosters no one would begrudge them a place in the final four.

"While their mobility and size all over the park is an obvious factor, I think it's their skill and focus on second-phase football that has created another dimension to their game," Stuart wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

"Emotion also plays a role, and it's clear the Warriors are determined to play out a fairytale for my old Canberra Raiders teammate, Ruben Wiki."