League: Leave Manu alone - Cleary

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary says the latest criticism on Manu Vatuvei is unwarranted. Photo / Getty Images

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has had enough of the media attacks directed at giant winger Manu Vatuvei.

Vatuvei received plenty of flak at the start of the NRL season and his performance in the heavy loss to the North Queensland Cowboys at the weekend was also attacked by one of the Sunday papers.

Cleary has been dumbfounded by the latest criticism and said Vatuvei is an easy target.

As for the dreadful record away from home, Cleary said his players have to be mentally tougher when things do not go their way on the road.

Cleary's men will need to muster up all the mental toughness they can when they come up against competition leaders the Titans on the Gold Coast on Sunday.

The Titans have been getting huge crowds to their home games and are yet to lose at Skilled Stadium so the Warriors will be walking into an intimidating atmosphere.

Titans' halfback Scott prince has been in dynamic form and with the Australian test team named on Sunday evening he will be after another strong performance.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZ HERALD STAFF