They occupied the bottom two spots on the ladder in 2018, but Manly and Parramatta both mounted incredible charges to the finals this season.
While they both saw their seasons come to a close with semi-final losses on the weekend, both Des Hasler and Brad Arthur will be immensely proud of the turnarounds they orchestrated for their clubs in 2019.
The question on Sea Eagles and Eels fans lips, however, will be whether they can back those stunning seasons up next year.
We had Roar NRL expert Tim Gore on the Game of Codes podcast to look at what both clubs need to do to take the next step in 2020, as well as who’s more likely to get back to the semis in 2020.
Listen to the debate:
Manly looked to be in dire straits as a club when Trent Barrett departed at the end of last season, with the ex-coach claiming the club’s facilities were well below NRL standard. Parramatta also looked to be in strife last season when they completely fell off the wagon following a top four appearance the previous season.
If a week is a long time in football, a year is even longer.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The Roosters won 60-18 with this incredible sequence capping off the performance.
It might have been that simple all along. As much as the structures, coaching and roster come under pressure at the Roosters, the solution…
Zac Lomax, Ben Hunt and Jack Bird collided in a horror moment for the Dragons. Joey Manu scored off the back of it untouched.
The Roosters half was having a blinder and after a crucial tackle on Tyrell Sloan, sprayed the touchie it happened in front of. Sloan…
This just about summed up the first half for the Dragons as they trailed 30-6 at the break.
Nine's Phil Gould was left scratching his head after this Ben Hunt pass wasn't pulled up. The Roosters held out for the rest of…
