The Sea Eagles were one of the true surprise packets of 2017, making the finals after finishing 13th in 2016.
Trent Barrett and his men played an exciting brand of football that made the Sea Eagles one of the most entertaining teams in the NRL throughout the season.
Season Ranking – Exited first Week of Finals 6th (Regular Season – 14 Wins, ten Losses, 552 Points For, 512 Points Against)
Season Rating 9/10 – I go as high as nine for Manly, as expectations were generally low for a team that finished in the bottom four in 2016. After a nightmare start where they were belted by the Eels and Rabbitohs at home in their opening two games, the Sea Eagles rallied to become one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the NRL.
The Sea Eagles form was fantastic on the road, beating strong sides like the Roosters, Cowboys and Raiders in their own backyard.
The side looked flaky defensively, especially on the edges at times throughout the season, and that’s something they will have to get better at if they want to take another step forward in 2018.
Coach Rating 9/10 – (Trent Barrett) – He suffered a real baptism of fire in his debut coaching season. However, I really thought Trent Barrett owned this side this year and owned their style of football.
He looked at the roster at his disposal and got the best out of the team by playing a fast and expansive style that suited the likes of Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic. Barrett was also responsible for some shrewd recruiting, with Blake Green proving the perfect foil for Cherry-Evans, and Akuila Uate rediscovering some of his best form on the wing.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Manly seemed a confident and happy team for most the year and, while Barrett could occasionally lose his rag in post-match press conferences, he has a good hold on what he is doing with this roster.
Best Win – Round 5 Sydney Roosters 12 Manly Sea Eagles 18 @ Allianz Stadium – Not many sides went to Allianz and beat the Roosters this year, so I have Manly’s Round 5 triumph against the Chooks as their best win of the season. The Roosters were undefeated at the time, and Manly had started the year in patchy fashion. However, they showed their quality here, as well as resolve, to allow an attacking powerhouse like the Roosters just two tries.
Worst Loss – Round 20 St George Illawarra Dragons 52 Manly Sea Eagles 22 @ – Despite having a largely successful season, there were a few dismal displays thrown in by the Sea Eagles, and this was their worst at WIN Stadium. The Sea Eagles didn’t bring their tackling boots for this game and, down 30-0 at halftime, they were never in the contest.
Best Player – Daly Cherry-Evans – Cherry-Evans was back to his dynamic best in 2017 after a couple of season where his form had dipped alarmingly. While he was still snubbed by Queensland, he played like the best halfback in the competition for large periods of 2017.
He stepped up in clutch moments with big field goals, as well as playing some sparking attacking football, whether through his passing, kicking or rejuvenated running game. He led from the front as Captain this year, and they won’t be able to ignore him at Rep level if he reproduces his 2017 form next season.
Most Disappointing Player – Nate Myles – You would have to say it’s nearly the end of the road for an old warhorse in Nate Myles after a chastising 2017. Myles was actually traded to the Storm mid-season, after being dropped from the Queensland Origin side after Game 1.
Myles failed to break into the Storm’s Premiership winning side and his career is at the crossroads heading into 2018. He has been a really valuable player over a number of years, but looked to be slowing down, and I’m not sure if he has too much quality football left in him.
2018 Prospects – I see no reason why this side can’t improve further in 2018. They have a great spine, as well as plenty of players at the right stage of their career that can get even better.
However, there is no doubt they slipped under some side’s guard this year, and they will have to be ready to deal with some of the hype and favouritism that sides with expectations have to carry.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
I remember when Manly signed Ward , Bozo said you couldn't drive a nail thru him. Him and Beetson are my two best props. The Turbo brothers have something we haven't seen at Manly for a long time ( and only time will tell ) and that is they don't look out of place on the biggest stage. Tom hasn't been there yet but Jake just walks into rep teams and looks like he's been there for 10 years. Menzies and Cliffy Lyon were a lot more comfortable at Brookie Oval. It's a bit strange because Jake is such a mild character but he is a different sort of beast who just belongs. Tedesco is amazing.
David Brown
Roar Rookie
Ah, how you warm my heart Greg by mentioning Kevin Ward. I actually named my company (Ward & Fitzgibbon) after Kevin and Craig, my all time two favourite players. He was probably not a 'name' in Australia but he already had a few GB caps before going out to Manly. There's a great story I read from a player who's debut was against Cas. Ward was never a cheap shot merchant, he did all his damage legally. But what he did in this match was never take his eyes off this new guy, literally staring him out for 80 minutes. The guy admitted he was so scared that his only concern was not soiling himself. I reckon Chris Hill (Warrington), Alex Walmsley (St. Helens) or Mike McMeeken (Castleford) could do a great job for Manly. There is something special about the Trbojevic brothers. Immense talent with huge tickers. It's a shame for Tom that Australia are blessed with such great fullbacks and wingers. James Tedesco, who can't even get in the side, would be hands down England's best player if he were one of ours.
terrence
Guest
ps TB, if they are wrong, print them off, rush down the pub, and show all your mates (after...)...
terrence
Guest
TB, you got it wrong, darn many did. And yes, Dean will print it off. I also got Dymock not being at the Dogs next year right. Hope for you it ain't 3 from 3 from my predictions!
terrence
Guest
A povo "theroar guru'' that can't afford Foxtel, that says it all. Like a "'Apple store genius'' not owning an iPhone! "'theroar" stat-ass downgrade required.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
I agree with your Jake T ratings. I made an off the cuff statement to someone during the season which is debatable but just a gut feeling about Jake T that he was close to being " Top Dog " among the games forwards. He just has that desire which is so strong to be top dog. I didn't want to join the general bagging of Lewis Brown during the season but my impression that he was just really average never changed and I didn't see his value. Sironen was just OK for most of the season but all of a sudden he became really good........ and then got injured. Manly has been quiet lately on the recruitment front but I'd be surprised if Bozo hasn't got something up his sleeve. Maybe someone from England? Kevin Ward was virtually unknown when Bozo signed him in the 80's but was outstanding.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
It's funny how people find different ways to rate a coach. I've heard a thouuuuusand reasons why Barrett wouldn't do any good at the Eagles but as a fan none of it worries me because it is meaningless . Hasler attracted similar criticism in his first few years. It seemed to many if Barrett was tearing the door off the hinges now and again then they would have proof that he was made of the right stuff. The big losses last year prove nothing about next year, Hasler had some horrendous losses in his first couple of years.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It doesn’t happen often. Are you going to print it off and show your mates?
antz
Guest
Have to say thanks for the memories steve matai. one of the last true hardmen of league. you were a true warrior playing through injuries and still trying to smash everyone. I still remember you playing 08'with two busted shoulders for most of the season. KIa kaha to you and brett stewart. Maori-Warringah Seaeagles Hard!
antz
Guest
macao? matai please
Dean
Guest
Barry admitting he was wrong. Now there's a first.
antz
Guest
pretty much bang on. i would give my eagles an 8/10 just because they went so well and then finished pretty weakly. lets not cry about the video ref calls, the fact is the neither team played well that night and if manly had played like the week before, they would have killed it. looks good for next year, $1 million in the kitty always helps.Kia kaha steve matai, i'll miss your total commitment to the cause. i'll always remember you playing with 2 busted shoulders for most of a season in 08. you and toovey are my favourite players.CHUR!
David Brown
Roar Rookie
Pretty much agree with all of that but I would probably have Jake Trbojevic edging out DCE as their top player. He is so dynamic for someone that looks fairly unathletic. He seems like a farmer that has just accidentally wandered onto the pitch. It must have been a close run thing for Lewis Brown not to take the 'worst' tag from Myles. He gets lauded as a really useful utility player but for me he is just a player that is poor in many positions that gives up a lot of soft penalties, an inverse Mitchell Aubusson if you like. I would drop him for Jackson Hastings who has a much better footie brain on him.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
It's funny at the start of 16 one of the ABC commentators predicted that Manly would finish in the bottom four. He was set upon by the silvertails forum lynch mob. In 17 most of them were predicting bottom 4 and abusing anyone who suggested we could go ok. In 18 I don't really know because as always you don't know how well the opposition are going to aim up as well as how the Eagles go. I reckon we finish 4 or 5 if we have a good run with injuries. A lot will depend on Turbo and DCE.
Busty McCracken
Guest
2016 everyone was predicting big things and i was expecting the opposite. 16 panned out pretty much as anticipated for me where as last year i was telling everyone I thought they'd go alright. 18 is a tough one. Everybody is talking them up, we no longer have the element of surprise and considering how skinny our roster is we had a pretty good run with injury this year. Unless we add 2 maybe 3 players to strengthen the depth of our squad i wouldn't be surprised to see us miss out on the 8th again next year coming around 9th or 10th
BleakCity
Roar Rookie
I always thought they should make the finals with there roster changes but they did surprise how well they went at times (especially surprised with how well Uate turned around years of terrible form) though they also fell off the cliff when the season got serious which would be a concern. Still not convinced with Barrett but I guess time will tell. Maybe it's just that I still picture him as that guy sound asleep in the origin press conference in his suit & no socks or the one getting slapped by Nathan Brown on the sideline. He never struck me as the sharpest tool or the most switched on.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
On paper the Eagles had a top four team perhaps in 2016 according to many. Unfortunately it was an illusion. The star back line was loaded with key players who had chronic injuries and the developing pack had plenty of injuries during the season. One of my favorite players Brett Stewart was selected despite being a total passenger and that alone was enough to derail the season. The lack of expectation for 2017 was largely based on this unfortunate season but we had the basis of a handy team and a pack which is potentially as good as any in the comp. At times the attack and the defence was good enough to win the title but others it was bad enough to win the spoon. Although history doesn't always repeat Haslers and Barretts first two years with a developing team were very similar and ever since I've followed the Eagles they have built up to winning a title or two or as was the case in the early 80's making a couple of GF's. It would be really handy if one or two players emerge from the juniors in the next year or two who are rep quality players and we are possible contenders. The club has improved dramatically in some areas in the last couple of years and recruitment is back on track. Until Bozo and co stepped in we really had a very lame recent recruitment record.
souvalis
Guest
As far as the coaches rating..I’d have Belly at 10,then Green at 9 and Arthur fractionally behind at 8....kudos to Barrett for getting them into the 8 but no way was he at their level in performance and development of individuals,which the 9 suggests..
Eddie Otto
Roar Guru
I have to admit guys I had them in my bottom 4 coming into the season. They did slip under the radar so teams will be better prepared from them next season. Blake Green I thought was a great foil for DCE.
Paul
Roar Guru
I think it's safe to say Manly slipped under most people's radars this year. No argument they had a terrific season and played some very good football at times. Not sure about their defence which seemed brittle on occasion and might need stiffening in 2018. Barrett had a great first season with them, now he has to back it up and that will be a test. He also needs to take his whinging about referees out of his repertoire if he hopes to go further in the game as a coach.