On paper, minor premiers Sydney Uni should be far too good for an understrength Manly side at Camperdown on Saturday.

But finals footy is a different beast and the 2017 Marlins learnt that the hard way.

Like the current Students, Manly were the form team throughout the 2017 regular season but were ambushed by eventual premiers Warringah in the preliminary final last year after falling short against Eastwood a week earlier.

Manly fans are still reeling from their side’s early finals exit last year, but that pain will disappear if the Marlins can repeat history and upset the minor premiers this weekend.

“We will need to be special on Saturday. Technically, tactically and mentally brilliant,” Manly coach Billy Melrose told Rugby News.

“Uni have set the pace all year, they’ve got a strong list of professional players back in, plus home ground advantage and most other trappings.

“But as we found out last year, no matter how well it goes throughout the regular season, it can come apart at this time of year very quickly.”

An injury riddled Manly side fell short against Warringah at Rat Park last Saturday but continued to fight for 80 minutes and kept the Hillbillies on their toes.

Sydney Uni also had a tough afternoon but managed to push past Eastern Suburbs in the final 20 minutes to claim a hard fought 21-13 win.

“It was a very tough game against a quality side that was extremely well coached,” Uni coach Rob Taylor said.

“Easts had two weeks to prepare for it and threw absolutely everything at us. We had to work extremely hard in all areas of the game but I think our defence made the difference in the end.”

Boosted by the return of Waratahs No.9 Jake Gordon, Sydney Uni will start as short priced favourites on Saturday, but Taylor said there hasn’t been a whole lot between the two sides this season.

Sydney Uni beat Manly 45-13 in round six but lost the return fixture 24-22 at Manly Oval.

“We had one very good performance against Manly and then one half performance. Manly are always great at home and they took their opportunities in round 12.”

Melrose agreed that Manly will need to make the most of every chance they get this weekend and has named rookie utility back James Ohmsen at flyhalf for the must win clash.

“Young Jimmy is a left footer like (injured flyhalf) Sam Lane and he’s a really talented guy. It’s a big match but that’s what you’ve got to play for. I’ve got every confidence in him.

“I think If we’re good enough to match them and we’re in the game with 20 minutes to go, then hold onto your hats, anything could happen.”

Sydney Uni host Manly at University Oval in the opening preliminary final on Saturday afternoon.

Sydney University (1-15)

Matt Sandell, Stewart Nutt, Paddy Ryan, Lachie Swinton, Dave McDuling, Nick Champion de Creispigny, Brad Wilkin, Rohan O’Regan, Jake Gordon, Stu Dunbar, James Kane, Will McDonnell, Guy Porter, Henry Clunies-Ross, Tim Clements.

Manly (1-15) 

Sio Tatola, Charles Abel, Mokani Fuavao, Alex Humfrey, Adrian Hall, Samuel Shires, Kotoni Ale, Brad Hemopo, Harry Emery, James Ohmsen, Mick Adams, Nicolas Holton, Tyrone Smith, Tom Chesters, Josh Turner.