The 2018 season was an underwhelming one for the Sea Eagles. Narrowly missing out on what would have been their first wooden spoon, tensions simmered between coach and club all season, before Trent Barrett walked away from the Northern Beaches.
His exit would pave the way for Des Hasler to return – his last game in charge of the club was a victory in the 2011 grand final. That premiership would cap one of the most successful eras in the Sea Eagles history, appearing in three grand finals and winning two under Hasler.
2018 was a tumultuous season for the Sea Eagles. They never seemed to settle, incidents such as a controversial night out in Gladstone not helping their cause.
There was disharmony in the playing group too, with Jackson Hastings often at the centre of such stories.
It did not feel like a united club and the on-field results were reflective of that.
The situation between coach and club came to a head as Trent Barrett publicly lamented lack of resources and facillities, and used such reasons as an excuse to hand in his resignation.
There were doubts he would even see out the season as things lurched from bad to worse, but he did, with talk even that he would be forced to keep working at the Sea Eagles even as Hasler arrived.
That didn’t eventuate, as a settlement was reached, but whatever the circumstances, the Sea Eagles will benefit going into 2019 with some stability, and putting the whole saga behind them.
Story of the off-season
It has been a real black mark for the game over the off-season – a high quantity of stars being accused or charged with domestic violence and assault.
Dylan Walker faces such charges after an incident with his partner during the off-season.
It has been a mixed career to date for the star centre, and with charges pending he may yet be suspended for matches to come
Recruits
Jade Anderson (2019), Cade Cust (2019), Kane Elgey (Gold Coast Titans, 2020), Brendan Elliot (Gold Coast Titans, 2019), Reuben Garrick (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2019), Albert Hopoate (2019), Sean Keppie (2019), Semisi Kioa (2019), Luke Metcalf (2019), Haumole Olakau’atu (2019), Corey Waddell (Penrith Panthers, 2019).
There isn’t a real marquee signing amongst the Sea Eagles recruits for 2019. Kane Elgey is the standout, looking to give Daly Cherry-Evans an experienced halves partner to take the heat off him.
They have Trent Hodkinson and Lachlan Croker as options as well so it will add some competition for spots.
Losses
Lewis Brown (retired), Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils), Brian Kelly (Gold Coast Titans), Shaun Lane (Parramatta Eels), Darcy Lussick (Toronto Wolfpack), Joey Lussick (Salford Red Devils), Akuila Uate (Huddersfield Giants), Jonathan Wright (retired), Tom Wright (rugby union)
The retirement of Akuila Uate, Jonathan Wright and Lewis Brown, along with the departure of Brian Kelly leaves the Sea Eagles looking quite skinny in the outside backs.
Shaun Lane was also their top try-scorer for last season so they may feel an impact from his departure.
How does their roster rate?
A challenge in the NRL is keeping the best players on the park, injuries playing a big role in a club’s fortunes each year.
The best 17 for Manly has a good look to it, but outside that they look skinny for depth, and if injury does strike hard, they will find it hard to compete.
Tom Trbojevic goes into his fifth season of NRL, now with experience in the Origin arena. The Sea Eagles always look at their best when Tom is firing. They will struggle if he sustains a long-term injury.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
The outside backs make for good reading if they remain fit, or aren’t ruled out for off-field incidents.
Jorge Taufua has missed plenty of game time over the last two seasons but makes plenty of impact when fit.
Moses Suli is on his third club already but has plenty of wraps on his potential. A coach like Hasler may see the best come out of the young rookie.
Dylan Walker has been shifted around to accommodate injury in recent seasons but has always looked best at centre. He too missed significant time with injury last season.
The last spot in the backline will probably go to either Brendan Elliott or Brad Parker, two fringe first graders.
As is the issue with the rest of their roster, there is not a lot of depth.
Api Koroisau’s form early last year saw his name mentioned in Origin discussions. He was another Sea Eagles player to miss significant time with injury.
Manase Fainu was the Sea Eagles second choice hooker last season in Koroisau’s absence, and may be used off the bench. He did a job but they will be hoping Koroisau remains fit.
Daly Cherry-Evans will have the pressure on him as always at halfback, and he links with the man that oversaw his successful debut season in 2011.
It might bring out the best in him, after a real struggle for consistency in the past few seasons.
His halves partner will be Trent Hodkinson, Lachlan Croker or Kane Elgey. Elgey is likely the front-runner but with Hasler also having coached Hodkinson at the Bulldogs, don’t rule out the possibility that he will opt for the experience and control that he provides. A bonus is his goal-kicking record.
The forward pack for Manly has some real class and aggression. Addin Fonua-Blake and Martin Taupau are big mobile probs, with plenty of grunt. Jake Trbjoveic is up there with the best lock forwards in the game. Curtis Sironen and Joel Thompson are two very experienced and reliable second rowers. Lloyd Perrett and Kelepi Tanganoa are the likely big men coming off the bench.
This is a team that early on, if they gel quickly and stay fit, could get the jump on some teams. The challenge will be sustaining it as injury and Origin hit.
There isn’t a heap of depth, so the pressure is on the big names to win them games.
Key men
The Trbojevic brothers
These two are the heart and soul of Manly at the moment. They should be top priority to be signed up for life, as two players who every club wants to have.
They are the most consistent of the team each week and lead by example. It isn’t too early to be making either of them captain.
Much of the season will hinge on whether these two can stay fit, and whether they can be matched by their teammates for effort.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Where do they need to improve?
As a team that ran second to last, the Sea Eagles still managed a good effort in attack, finishing in the top eight in that department.
In contrast they were last for defence, conceding an average of nearly 26 points per game.
It just isn’t good enough for a first-grade football team, and Des won’t be standing for it – the defence will improve for the Sea Eagles in 2019.
In spite of this, the Sea Eagles lost seven matches by a converted try or less. In contrast, they only won the single match by a converted try or less, a one-point win over the Sharks. Their average winning margin was nearly 18.
While the Sea Eagles on their day could crush a side with their attack, in a close game they couldn’t close matches out and win on their defence, several times being run down.
There could be no greater example of this than when they were beaten by the Panthers after being up by 18 at home, with less than a quarter of the game to go. In a devastating seven minutes, the Panthers hit the front with four tries.
The Sea Eagles need a harder edge, and a willingness to win games on their defence.
Draw
The Sea Eagles kick off their season with a trip to Leichardt oval. They have a tough opening start to the season, playing the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Dragons early on, as well as a trip to New Zealand for a “home” game against the Warriors.
They have tough away trips to the Storm, Broncos and Cowboys, as well as a second trip to New Zealand later in the season.
Over the Origin period they will be without their rep players as they take on the Panthers in Penrith before Origin 1, before having to back up three days later in Townsville.
They have a bye before Origin 3, but a match three days later after against South Sydney.
The Sea Eagles will be hoping that Brookvale can once again become a fortress after being more successful away than at home last season.
How will they go?
The Sea Eagles have some real star power. The Trbojevic brothers and Daly Cherry-Evans are the foundations for a good side.
They have all been in the Origin arena, so too has Dylan Walker, a classy player on his day.
Marty Taupau has represented New Zealand and is one of the best props in the competition at his best.
The biggest hurdle will be keeping the team fit, and finding some depth when they are tested as the long season goes on.
Putting the dramas of last season behind them will be enough to move them up the ladder, as will the appointment of Hasler as coach.
Whatever controversy has followed him recently should not detract from the record that he has as coach, both at the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs.
At one stage he had twelve consecutive finals appearance across two clubs, including four grand finals and two premierships.
Without the depth however, and with a roster that is not yet his, the Sea Eagles will take steps to redemption this year, but not into September.
It is a trying season at the best of times and without the necessary personnel they just cannot compete with some of the other teams.
Predicted finish: 11th
James Ditchfield
Roar Rookie
11th seems like a pretty accurate position. This side looks alright on paper, but still have something missing in key positions. Wouldn't be surprised if they finished a little higher, but a finals place is probably out of reach. The drama which has engulfed the club in recent times will no doubt have an affect as well.
a
Roar Rookie
Hopefully they come last
WBGL
Guest
Good article but underestimates Des's capabilities. 2019 will be a rebuilding year for Des, he won't tolerate unfit and/or lazy players, top 8 my prediction, assuming no significant injuries to manage. He'll sort out the deadwood this year, build on the young potentials, recruit some more depth for 2020. Sorry, but Tapau is great on a good day, but most days he's the 40min man, can be lazy when tackling is needed. I think Des was at the Bulldogs when Tapau moved on, maybe Des had something to do with his move to the Tigers. Forward pack has a good mix of youth & experience and just enough top-level talent (Jake, AFB, Thompson) to do the job, same goes for the backs. Go Manly in 2019 !!!
Craig Hardy
Guest
And I do love the game... And the start of every season is always full of hope for us all. Like I started, I only hope I'm only slightly clouded and not delusional, otherwise I am in for another loooooong season!
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Peeeko, that was one of the better ones… ????
James Ditchfield
Roar Rookie
I think that Manly fans shouldn't anticipate an immediate return to the glory days of yore just because Des is back in charge. It's not just the team but the club as a whole which needs a changeup. It'll be a slow process in my opinion, but a necessary one nonetheless.
Reg Reagan
Roar Rookie
Now THAT's comedy! Bahahahahahaha
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
NRL stats list him as 9th, well down the list. I personally wouldn't rate him as amongst the best forwards in the game, there are plenty ahead of him. They may surprise, but for me there are a lot of questions around the team. Tapau and co can be damaging on their day but that day doesn't happen enough. I think they will struggle and cant see them winning more than 10 games
Bearfax
Roar Guru
I think you will find that Taupau is rated one of the best forwards in the game and was second last year in metres gained. Fonua Blake is a rising star forward who dominates when on the field. Problem was when these two and JT were off the field Manly didn't compete. I think this will change this year and watch out for Albert Hoppa who may cause as much interest as Ponga.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
I count 3 decent players in their team; Turbo, Jurbo and DCE. Outside of that it's nothing special and they've copied Parramatta's recruitment strategy, buy a bunch of nobodies that can't get a start elsewhere and hope they come good. If either of the above 3 go down, Manly will really struggle and around Origin they will be easy pickings for the opposition. Will battle from the spoon, Design has had his time but the game has moved on, his tactics were exposed at the Dogs so how will anything change at Manly?
WarHorse
Roar Rookie
Definately will be sniffing around the top 8. There will be egg on many faces in 8 month’s time. No way will this club be battling out for a spoon this year. Des will instill plenty of confidence and grit into this playing group that was badly lacking last year. As well as showing some pride again when playing at home.
WarHorse
Roar Rookie
Exactly. The roosters depth last year wasn't all that crash hot either. They just managed to avoid serious injuries and had a stable roster for much of the year.
Andrew
Guest
You’re kidding yourself if you don’t think elgey will start, they didn’t buy him to play reserves. Unless he has a shocker in the trials he is the 5/8. Hodkinson is rubbish, there is a reason he was playing reserve grade at the sharks and knights. Did you watch last year, his sliding defence is rubbish since his knees went in him, he can still tackle if they run at him but they won’t be always that kind to him. His running game is rubbish, in fact he doesn’t have one and never really has, which is ironic considering all everyone remembers is the show and go to win origin that year. I guess if des wants dce to do all the attacking then he may be a good choice, but personally if he is in the top 17, then it shows our depth is rubbish. He wouldn’t be in the top 17 at another club
Andrew
Guest
You’re not wrong, if we don’t have injuries, he shouldn’t even be playing 1st grade. The fact he thinks he is our best forward after the other two does he hasn’t got much of a clue
Andrew
Guest
The fact that you think winterstein is the best forward after the other two days a lot about your football knowledge. He wouldn’t even play 1st grade at a strong club, Joel Thompson is a great second rower and rarely has a bad game. Sironen could be, if he could play a season without injury. Did you even watch last year, AFB was one of the most consistent in the comp and was brilliant for Tonga against Australia. And api was in great form before his injury.
Haradasun
Roar Rookie
Yeah Garrick looks like a real talent but his defence isn't nrl standard yet. Our biggest problem is shoring up defence out wide. Likely backline of Taufua garrick parker/Walker and suli. Suli isn't a centre and had maybe 1 try assist last year. His defence is woeful too. Could leak points this year so hopefully des can put some starch into them
Bearfax
Roar Guru
In 2017 the Sea Eagles finished 6th, with many of the players they now have. They achieved that on the back of some remarkable field goal wins from DCE and the lack of many serious injuries. They weren't great, but they showed they could compete with the best when their mind was on it. 2018 was the perfect storm of things that could go wrong. Blocked from recruiting early on and then losing $350,000 from their salary, started the year which saw the worst injury toll in the Sea Eagles history. Then there developed a complete lack of structure and sensible selections as well as the Hastings debacle. Add to that the players looked unfit. Barrett had no answers. 2019 starts with only one player under a cloud, 'Walker'. Hasler who has taken sides to the finals on 12 of his 14 years of coaching, has cleared out the back up people and brought in people he knows will do the job. He has the basis of a finals side with the Trbojevics, DCE, Taupau and Blake. He has Sironen back and has added speed to the backline, which they sadly lacked last year with Garrick. Then there's Albert Hopoate, already earmarked as a future superstar. The loss of Kelly hurts, but if Des can get the best out of Suli, that may suffice. And then there is Elgey, who may just be what DCE needs. This side is in rebuilding mode. There are other young players on the rise soon to be seen such as Josh Schuster, Ben Trbojevic and Anderson. Manly wont challenge the premiership this year but I would be seeing them at 8th to 11th.
Michael Sheldon
Guest
Steve Matai should have had enough rest for his shoulder and neck so it is time to bring him back, no need to worry about his pace he never had any.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Mighty Mighty, We will have to wait and see. I have a lot of time and respect for Joel Thompson. Maybe he does have another year or so in him, but I think you have to start thinking he is in decline. Sironen had a few good moments at Manly, a lot more than we had seen to that point in his career. He played NRL too early, and has missed a full season. I still don't think the upside is that great. I may be underestimating Blake. He isn't the best middle defender, so it will be interesting to see if that tests Hasler's patience given the focus he has on it. I think Waddell has potential but his best years are three or four years away. The backs - I agree on Elgey. There would need to be big improvement to see him in first grade except for injury cover. Garrick I have seen a fair bit of and he may develop, but he never stood out head and shoulders in the lower grades. Best case scenario he is a few years away. Suli is Suli and Parker doesn't seem to be particularly fast or particularly strong or particularly amazing in the air. He just seems C+ at everything, which is fine, but the good teams have players in those roles that threaten. Like I say, I may be underestimating, but that is what makes the game great when there are so many questions to be answered.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I wrote a long article on Manly and the potential but the editors thought it was crap and it didn't get a start. The thing with this team is that it's got a great core and it's not as huge a step from where we were last season to challenge for the title. Get some backs to surprise on the upside and or recruit another two top outside backs and you're close to the mark. Albert Hopoate could be one and if we get a 5/8 doing well and a centre then we are cooking with gas. They don't all have to be champions , most title winning teams have a few plodders who can rise to the challenge of defending like demons and being largely mistake free. The Storm regularly do well with a few plodders. Players like Jason King in particular and to a lesser extent Steve Matai and others were considered liabilities by many of the fans in Haslers early years. Joe Gulauvo was a has been and the Wolf and Robbo were largely unwanted at their clubs.