It goes without saying that the Manly Sea Eagles have defied expectations this season.
Few had the club challenging for the top eight, and their position seemed justified when Manly were dismantled by the Wests Tigers in Round 1.
Since then, it’s been a different story. Des Hadler’s side challenged the premiership-fancied Roosters before thumping the Warriors and squeezing out a golden point victory against the Rabbitohs, which cost them an injury to an in-form Tom Trbojevic.
But Manly rolled on. They beat the Knights, fell just short against the Dragons and defeated the Raiders in a brilliant display of composure after losing Daly Cherry-Evans early in the second half.
Now the Sea Eagles face a month of footy without State of Origin stars Trbojevic and Cherry-Evans, the latter of whom was a frontrunner for Queensland captaincy before injuring his right ankle. On the Game of Codes podcast, we asked Roar rugby league Expert Mary Konstantopoulos if Manly can keep their finals hopes alive with two key players on the sidelines. Citing recent form and a favourable draw, Konstantopoulos argued there is plenty to suggest the club can still be on the front foot when its stars return in June.
Listen to the discussion
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