The Sea Eagles are revered – even by their enemies – for their ability to build a consistently successful club culture.
They have proven they are a club who simply know how to win. Even in games where the Eagles have clearly lacked cohesion, they traditionally know how to dig deep and do it ugly. It is this dogged quality that has made them so feared among their rivals.
But in 2016, this cultural advantage will be put to its biggest test in years. A seismic clean-out of players and coaching staff will see a very new-look outfit this season.
The deck of cards have been well and truly reshuffled and many questions remain around the need for such a drastic reformation given Manly’s penchant for success.
The biggest story in this changing of the guard has been the axing of coach Geoff Toovey. Despite a respectable win/loss record since taking over the helm, and missing the finals last year by just one spot, the coach was shown the door and replaced with an untested first grade coach in Trent Barrett.
In my view this decision represents the biggest risk. To punt an established coach and club hero who sports a formidable resume in exchange for a rookie, it either takes a lot of guts or a lot of stupidity.
I guess time will tell.
The new coach has recently declared that defence will be the key to winning games this year and that this will be the pre-season focus. I hate to be cynical, but I tend to wince when I hear coaches utter this phrase. We all know defence is crucial, we should all know that by now. I almost suspect this cliche is offered up when a coach is lacking creativity. I certainly hope for Manly’s sake this is not the case for Barrett already.
It should also be noted that the Eagles’ defence ranked marginally better than their attack last year – but perhaps we digress.
Despite the losses of key players Kieran Foran, Peta Hiku and Matt Ballin, the Eagles have managed to retain the quality nucleus of Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Steve Matai and Daly Cherry-Evans. Throw in young gun Tom Trbojevic on the wing and you still have a world-class backline at Brookvale.
But the real question mark remains in the forwards. This is the area that really let the team down last year, showing the first sign of cracks appearing in the normally gritty manly facade. With proven grunt forces like Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart no longer present to get them moving forward at key phases of the match, the Eagles really struggled with potency in breaking the line in 2015.
The bolstering of Martin Taupau and Lewis Brown will help, and keep an eye out for young Jake Trbojevic who punched well above his weight in the pack last year.
Even with these reinforcements, for mine the Eagles still look a little too thin on the ground when it comes to the mongrel we’ve come to know and respect. I also remain unconvinced of Barrett’s ability to keep the winning culture at Manly going.
A tough season lays ahead for the maroon and whites me thinks.
Adam B
Guest
Nate Myles is past his peak I'm afraid Scott.
Adam B
Guest
Hi Rob, I'd be interested to gather your thoughts on the Manly season this year?
Adam B
Guest
You're right Tom, Manly had a great year in 2016. I stand corrected.
Adam B
Guest
Still laughing ?
Bugs
Guest
The Nikorima who played for the Broncs in the GF is a Kiwi, and played with them end of last year against teh Brits. His little bro, who the Roosters snaffled, has pledged his allegiance to Qld and Aus... I was very, very sure of myself when I started writing this...but now am doubting myself! Ha! Not gonna double check...tell me if I'm the one with it arse about!
Bugs
Guest
He had a blinder in Origin III though. Still got a couple of good matches in him (and prob a few headbutts too!)
Bearfax
Guest
There have actually been several years when there were many change overs. 1979, 1980, 1983, 1986, 2003, 2005 etc. You'll find Manly in those years had quite substantial change overs. Its just in the past 10 years we have been used to little change.
Adam Bishop
Roar Pro
Tom, what article did you read? I'd be keen to read the one that mentioned Galavao, King and Kite.
Adam Bishop
Roar Pro
Couldn't agree with you more Ron, chasing Griffin's signature would've been a stellar move!
Adam Bishop
Roar Pro
Nate Myles is past his peak I'm afraid, he showed very few glimpses of his old form last year for the Titans.
Adam Bishop
Roar Pro
I agree with you on the latter points Maxwell.
Adam Bishop
Roar Pro
Yes you're right, we do quickly forget that Bearfax - because it was way back in 1972.
SFH
Guest
The players are part of the equation. The club and the area make Manly. Like the All Blacks these factors set the standard before a player sets foot on the field. Unlike Sir Alex Ferguson where his vision to select the right players made the team. These new players will meet the mark or play reserve grade.
Manky1
Guest
Agreed! I was very disappointed that we let Gutherson go. I was quite excited at the prospect of watching more of him - the start of last season was heartbreaking. I know we can't win 'em all, but damn! .. you watch him tear it up for the Eels.
Muzz
Guest
I like Parcell but where would he have played in the GF? I also think Nikorima is a gun with a tonne of potential and will one day play for the Kangaroos.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Hi Adam, In terms of added grunt, you failed to mention Nate Myles, remember him, the guy who tackles with his head first? The market grossly underrated 2 months ago at 15.00 and have since firmed Manly in to where they should be. I dont think the market understand how crucial it is when a player is required for Origin as it is very draining on players late in the season. Myles will be the only player required and incredibly DCE will not be used this year, a massive boost for the club. The other key that the market did not get was how good Matt Parcell is, and I believe the Broncos would have won the GF had Wayne Bennett not spat his dummy and banished Parcell to Ippy when he said he was joining Manly.
silvertailboy
Guest
But if you look at the new recruits they are just about all known for their attacking flair. There are a lot more points in this side than last years. I think Chery-Evans will have an enormous year off the back of a biger stronger forward pack creating heaps of opportunities for his outside backs. It's all conjecture at this point. As a Manly supporter I'm excited about this new beginning..and can't wait for the season to start.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Gutherson was a loss.
Rob
Guest
Must be one the most off track articles I have read in recent times on this site - I'm predicting a strong assault on the Top 4 by Manly in 2016 and think the tough decisions they have made personnel and coach wise, are spot on for the future.
Wazza M
Guest
Just for the record, yes culture is developed over a long period, Manly have it in bucket loads, Culture does not stop with the people that may have started it, it is always passed on, All of the new signings will either embrace it and become better players or they won't. My money would be on the first one. Manly have recruited the best of all the teams,last years forward pack lacked skill and mongrel, Taupua, Myles, Brown and Koroisau well and truly put that back into the forward pack, also if Lussick can start to show he has a brain he can be a good player. Matt Parcell could be the smokey we need, could be anything. As for the Article Tom K you are right on the money, Garbage.