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SYDNEY - Coach Ivan Cleary is tipping New Zealand Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon to rise above any opposition baiting and produce a matchwinning performance in tomorrow's National Rugby League (NRL) grand final qualifier.
McKinnon has kept a low profile, avoiding interviews this week as he prepares to return from a three-week suspension for spitting towards a touch judge during the win over Penrith.
Cleary said his brilliant but occasionally hot-tempered fullback was prepared for Manly to try to wind him up.
"He knows what he's got to do tomorrow night and the players certainly welcome him back, he's a huge part of what we do and I'm sure he'd be raring to go, and will play well," Cleary said.
"Manly know how to play the game, they've got a great winning culture and they're pretty crafty how they do it. Wade's not stupid and I'm sure he'll handle anything that comes his way."
Cleary had no hesitation in naming McKinnon in the No 1 jersey this week despite Lance Hohaia's standout efforts in recent weeks. Hohaia is likely to come off the bench, although Cleary insisted he hadn't yet decided who to trim from his six reserves.
The Penrith match was just McKinnon's fourth of 2008 after a pre-season knee injury nearly saw him rubbed out for the year.
The man who has scored 12 tries from 26 Warriors matches since being signed from Parramatta provided the x-factor the team might need in an epic playoff against the heavily favoured Sea Eagles.
"He's been hurting not being part of the action for the last few weeks, but Wade's a great team guy and he's been very supportive around the boys. He's a very positive person as well."
Teammate Micheal Luck said the in-form Warriors had lifted another notch with McKinnon back this week.
"It's been hard for Wade. Whether the judiciary got that right or wrong is not for anyone to decide, but he's gone back and trained hard. This week you can't fault his commitment and he's been great for the team.
"He's a really good voice at the back and we'll be a better side for having him back."
And Luck warned Manly against targeting McKinnon as a potential weak link.
"You do that at your own peril because he's one of the best kick returners in the game. In broken field there's probably no better player.
"Wade knows why he got in trouble last time and I'm sure he'd be ready to make amends."
- NZPA
