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How Manly hit Eagle rock bottom

Roar Rookie
3rd October, 2018
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Roar Rookie
3rd October, 2018
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Is Manly set to hold disgruntled and battle weary Trent Barret to ransom on a matter of principle so they can start a rebuild halfway through season 2019?

After last season, nothing surprises me anymore.

With crowds at their unfashionable home venue registering worrying low levels, their worst ever ladder position and the unresolved coaching issue, the Sea Eagles will also move into 2019 shouldering $750,000 in fines and $330,000 lighter in the salary cap.

They have become the league’s standard joke. The once feared fortress of Brookvale Oval is no more and on-field results – including glaring match day fade outs – have had most pundits suggesting they be the league’s number one target for relocation.

Some have even called for their complete ejection from the NRL competition.

Despite possessing a capable roster which includes the supremely talented and staunch Trbojevic brothers and the ever resilient Daly Cherry-Evans, the tribulations of 2018 seem set to continue well into next season.

A lack of quality signings in recent times coupled with player unrest and an injury crisis highlighted a distinct lack of leadership and disconnect within the club during season 2018.

While most expected a siege mentality and a unified push back of the traditional Manly kind, the club merely limped toward season’s end.

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It now appears the dramas will continue well into next season. This will be much to the joy of Manly haters, but belies the success the club has had in recent years.

Today the club described their current approach as “working to ensure the best continuity of business for its football department and playing group.”

Since the conclusion of Round 26, some 30 or or so days have passed. While clubs are conducting exciting processes in preparing and planning for 2019, the Sea Eagles power brokers have failed the playing group, the fans and the NRL.

Via their mismanagement and lack of transparency they continue to contribute to the demise of a once mighty club.

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