Rugby league has rarely witnessed such a fall from grace as we have seen with the Manly Sea Eagles this year.
To have finished the 2008 season in such emphatic style, thumping their bogey team the Melbourne Storm 40-0 in the Grand Final, and to now be faced with the reality of being one loss away from the last on the competition table is almost unimaginable.
But here we are, eight weeks into the competition and Manly are yet to wake up from their slumber as so many experts have predicted. Could it be that the sleeping giant of the Telstra Premiership may lay dormant indefinitely?
Despite what people are saying, the absence of Brett Stewart is not the only factor determining Manly’s dismal fortunes.
He is a great player, a sensational player. However, he alone was not the man who won the Premiership for them in 2008. It was the performances of seventeen men, combining like a well-oiled unit, that romped home to victory.
Des Hasler and his men must face the facts: the form of some of their star players are well below their best. The likes of Matt Orford, Glenn Hall, Glenn Stewart and Brent Kite and struggling to have the impact they had last year.
This, disturbingly, has not prevented some from gaining rep honours this year. But that’s another story.
The one man who should be holding his head high is Anthony Watmough.
Watching an Eagles match this year has looked like a one-man band at times, with Watmough charging the line with aggression and tackling like a man possessed.
If the Manly forwards follow his example, they might find themselves competing more often in matches.
So far, however, it is painfully clear the Eagles are low on confidence, and as a result, are being completely outgunned in most games.
Anand Antony
Guest
Terry I can't agree more. Menzies was THE reason why Manly won many games in the past seasons. When the opposite teams were ready to score - no guess needed who prevented it. The great thing about it is he was consistently good at it. For the good of the team he should soon be appointed in some capacity in the management. Hopefully even higher level at NRL. He IS leadership material who leads by example. My only grudge against him is that he did not accept Brian Snmith's offer to join Parra.
Gruffalo
Guest
Terry True. I don't recall Beaver bashing sponsors or assaulting teenagers or swearing at barmaids. In fact, I'm surprised Menzies lasted so long at Manly - he's actually appears decent - out of character for that club.
Skull
Guest
Not only Beaver Terry but Bell more so. I read somewhere that last year he led (or was right up there)the NRL in line breaks. I also think that they played their best football late last year with Lyon at 5/8. Maybe a move back to 5/8 for Lyon may spark the attack as I think Bailey is a bench player at best. The thing they really miss with Stewart out is his pace. No one else seems to have any.
Terry Kidd
Guest
Sure the absence of Brett Stewart is a factor but I actually think that the absence of Steve Menzies is a greater factor. The guy was sheer class both on and of the field. The Sea Eagles surely miss his support play. How often did he bob up to take the last pass and score? Can you recall any kick directed to his side of the field that he didn't wholeheartedly chase? His defence was sure and he let no one down. Off the field he was the true professional who was a shining light in leadership and discipline. A genuinely nice bloke who was a mate to all. There is no doubt that he was a unifying influence, and a steadying influence, on the squad. How many Sea Eagles players now miss his weekly poker nights? IMO the Sea Eagles are missing the Beaver and his considerable contribution and influence.
Luke W
Guest
Actually Adam, Anthony Watmough is one of the reasons Manly are at the bottom of the ladder. He has more missed and ineffective tackles than any other Manly player, and is in the top 5 in the NRL total. It is acceptable to have the smaller halves and five eighths a defensive liability, but forwards definitely should not be. Sure, he is a strong ball runner, but it is not good enough to overcome his massive defensive woes.