It has been an absolute horror week for the Manly Sea Eagles. Their 30-point loss to arch rivals the Eels was compounded by superstar halfback Daly Cherry-Evans announcing he is leaving Brookvale next season.
And while it has not been confirmed by the clubs, media outlets are reporting that Kieran Foran has signed for the Eels from 2016 onwards, and Manly are just trying to save face.
It’s hard to believe that in less than 12 months Manly have lost Foran, Cherry-Evans, Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough to rival sides.
Manly fans are already threatening to hand in memberships and boycott games, while the pressure is mounting on Geoff Toovey, despite only one game having been played.
Foran also picked up an injury in the game against the Eels and will miss at least a month of footy. DCE has had to endure constant media scrutiny so there’s no guarantee that he will be 100 per cent on his game in the coming weeks either.
Promising outside back Clint Gutherson has suffered a season-ending injury thus robbing the Sea Eagles of a brilliant, versatile backup to the main stars.
It’s too early to write such a champion side off, but Manly couldn’t have imagined a worse start to the season.
It’s almost unconceivable that a Manly side could concede 42 points, let alone to heated rivals Parramatta. Their forward pack look far less imposing in 2015 after the losses of Watmough, Stewart and the retirement of Jason King.
They have been replaced by journeyman Willie Mason, the enigmatic Feleti Mateo, and the solid yet unspectacular Luke Burgess. Meanwhile, Jack Littlejohn will give Manly fans a look into the future as he partners Cherry-Evans in the halves this weekend.
Although it wouldn’t be the end of the world for Manly to lose a second straight game, a loss to the Storm in front of their home crowd would only elevate fan concerns and doubts.
You can’t write off a side that contains the likes of Brett Stewart, Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai, as well as their superstar halves, especially after just 80 minutes of football, but it’s going to have to be a massive turn-around if the Sea Eagles are to continue their amazing run of making the top four.
It’s only Round 2, but even at this early stage it looks beyond them.
That being said, Manly have always thrived under the ‘us versus them’ mentality, and they may look back at this week as nothing more than a blip come the end of the season.
Tom G
Guest
Anyone asking whether Bellamy is checking the job ads? If Tooves lost apparently he would need to. As I said rubbish journalism from people who do know better but choose not to. Newspapers suck!!!!
ret
Guest
Agree with this. Manly still have a very good side, and one poor result means virtually nothing. They haven't actually "lost" anyone yet. Next year is next year. How did Sam Burgess play last season when everyone knew he was leaving?
Tom G
Guest
Foran will be gone when he and his manager say he is gone not before. Any reporting to the contrary is hearsay and not news
Tom G
Guest
So you believe that asking a store owner in Parramatta who is a Parramatta stalwart is sufficient to substantiate a story on how Manly merchandise sales are going to suffer if players move on? Noone denies the right of media to report what's happening but it is exactly this type of story fabrication which makes them look like a massive joke.. On the result last week champ it may well be a long season for Manly but a game where injuries made a huge difference in round one of the competition can't be any indicator on a whole season. How did Parramatta get on last night? Any doom and gloom headlines today? Coach getting sacked?
Timothy Schuster
Guest
Am hoping manly make mid table by making brooky a fortress. This year is a writeoff. Our forward weakness hasn't been addressed. Looking ahead to 2016 already.
Timothy Schuster
Guest
From a Manly fan, yep it's a horror start.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
No mate big Bobby at least that what was on his pay slip. Mother Margaret.
Chui
Guest
Isn't the father's name John? Must be a close mate ;)
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Tom, The dad Bob T is a mate and the boys are lucky to have such an outstanding family. If it is so easy to score 4 tries then how come no one else did it in any grade anywhere? By the way, Tom T also made 321 run meters and 14 tackle breaks not to mention 4 line breaks and a try assist. He would be facing the Storm if I were the coach - he is ready!
Hughster
Guest
Agree Stewart a reasonable option at 5/8 however while his defence is sound, the constant demands of defending in the front line could take a severe toll.
TomT
Guest
Tom T will not be rushed - he weighs all of 75 kilos. Not hard to score 4 tries in Holden Cup - turnstile defence, its more like touch footy. Both the Turbos, who have smart parents have specifically asked Manly not to rush them into FG. Chee Kam is garbage - what do you see in him besides 2 years of injuries?
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
I am a Chee-kam fan and surely Jake Trbojevic must be close. Also Vave is a chance. I would have played Brett Stewart at 6 and brought in Tom Trbojevic, who scored 4 tries last week at 1.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
The nine game suspension was fine. Paulo had carry overs and he threw Ballin on his head.
Haradasun
Roar Rookie
Marlowe, Chee -Kam could be one. has been injured last 2 seasons, aus schoolboy, they have been training him in the middle to replace watmough. Reckon you could see some of him this year.
Parrafan
Guest
Agree with you James. It's no suprise that the Eels were able to points on with Gutherson going down early and Matai and Taufua out on that edge. It was worrying that they couldn't convert so much field position and possession into points in the 1st half though. I think the eels went down to Manly's half about 5 times in the 1st half and came up with 3 tries. With the return of Buhrer, Matai, Taufua and some more game time for Lyon who still looked a bit injured Manly will be back.
t
Guest
I agree...they also have a very soft pack and a laok of pace in the backline.
Daniel Nichols
Roar Guru
The media are allowed to ask questions. Manly have lost four world class players, just shipped 42 points to a side they loathe, and there's talk of sacking a coach after one round . If this isn't worth reporting then nothing is
P.Marlowe
Guest
I think people are reading a bit much into the Parra result. It was just one of those games where thinks just clicked for the opposition and things just weren't working for Manly. Probably my concern for Manly is their backrow is a bit light (understandable with the departures of Australian reps Watmough and Stewart). For the Manly fans here, it seems like it could be an opportunity for an under 20 player to make a step up - any hidden gems? (My fantasy team would like to know).
Daniel Nichols
Roar Guru
They've lost two international halves in a week. If that isn't a horror start then I'd hate to see what is
The eye
Guest
I have genuine fear for Manly..take a look at the draw for the next 8 weeks..realistically there are 2 wins there -dragons and raiders..they make the 8 this year it will become folklore as the greatest run in the history of the game...and if they finish last the greatest tragedy..