Manly backrower and fill-in hooker Blake Leary has reflected on a surprise stint at dummy half in wet conditions during his team's disappointing loss to the Eels on Sunday afternoon.
The 24-year-old, who debuted at hooker with the Cowboys in 2012, said he didn't exactly love playing at hooker in the absence of Matt Ballin.
"I couldn't think of anything worse than playing in the rain at hooker again," Leary quipped following the four-point loss.
However he also stated he'd get on the training paddock and do some extras if the coach requires him to play the role again.
"If that [playing hooker] is what's required, then definitely during the week I'll get out there and do a fair bit of training," he said.
"Hopefully it's not raining, but I don't mind, I'll get out there and do some extras with my passing and if required I'll jump back in there.
"Hopefully all goes well for Matty and he's not out for too long, I've played it once before about four years ago but never since and hopefully never again.
"I'm not known as a good ball player but yeah just got asked to do the job and did the best I could."
Reflecting on the whole team performance, Leary was embarrassed by his side's efforts at a ground that they consider their fortress.
"It was pretty disgraceful to tell you the truth, we're a lot better side than that," he said.
"We can't make excuses like the rain and that obviously it didn't help but we've just got to hold the ball and complete and we didn't do it today.
"To tell you the truth it was a pretty average game from both teams, they just came home with the win.
"They out-enthused us in parts and that's not like Manly, it's not what we pride ourselves on, especially here at Brookie."
However the back-rower said his team were far from giving up on their season.
"Obviously 'Tooves' just said it [the season] relies on a bit of luck now, but all we can do is look to the two games ahead and if we put two good wins on anything can happen," he said.
