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Opinion

With the Sea Eagles paralysed by flawed logic, Dessie could simply up and walk

3rd April, 2021
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Roar Guru
3rd April, 2021
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It wasn’t that long ago when The Daily Telegraph tried to track down Steve Matai.

Behind a middle finger politely raised towards the mainstream and his former club, word filtered back. Thanks but no thanks.

To say the Sea Eagles haven’t shown heart in the five seasons since the polarising marksman departed is harsh, but there’s no disputing all is not well.

The days of Fortress Brookvale crumbled at the same time face masks and lockdowns were used to justify dwindling crowds.

In better times, mixing with hard nuts like Rambo Gibbs, Spud Carroll and Choc Watmough on their home turf was feared. Thoughts of fronting in pink with a fluffy merino-like tuft would’ve ended in an ambulance.

But on Thursday night there it was, Viliame Kikau not only carving up the left edge but ruling the northern beaches without so much as a whimper from loyal fans, many who’d paid overs for the privilege.

On the iconic eastern hill, for so long the club’s gameday heartbeat, a murmur of resignation with every passing try among a sea of high-flying Penrith flags.

And Houston thought they had a problem.

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Broken maroon and white parts, there’s more than enough to fill the hole where the Sydney Football Stadium once stood.

Daly Cherry-Evans of the Sea Eagles

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

And despite the optimism, Tom Trbojevic isn’t the key to a successful relaunch. An afterburner counts for little, especially on a rocket that is yet to escape the hold-down arms.

Turbo could lift spirits but his absence is no excuse for a gormless lack of desire.

Seven players with international or Origin experience took on the Panthers, it’s a more than capable line-up. Only two years ago nine from the same side, also minus Tommy Turbo, took South Sydney to the brink in a semi-final.

Long the cryptic king, even by Des Hasler’s standards, this season’s messages are scrambled more than most.

The unfortunate departure of Api Koroisau and the unforeseen suspension of Manase Fainu started the rot, but the release of the proven low budget Danny Levi hinted of a surprise unveiling. It never came, and the ongoing trial of average halves to fill the void continues, even though Cade Cust has run rings around current number 9 Lachlan Croker.

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Hasler’s currency is two premierships, but with a steadfast refusal to rejig underperforming combinations, it’s depreciating fast.

In a rough end to last season, Tevita Funa started to shine at fullback, yet the club rookie of the year can’t crack the top 17. Brad Parker and Moses Suli’s confidence is shot, yet top-price centre Dylan Walker continues to be the scapegoat in the non-familiar fullback role.

If someone’s talking, it’s obvious no one is listening.

Flatter than last year’s Pepsi in attack, not even the experienced pair of Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran can initiate players in motion.

On the other side of the ball, from the outer at least, no trust and shoulders appear to be an almost accepted form of meek surrender.

Off the park, the only thing bigger than the crane at the northern end of Lottoland is the current salary cap balls up.

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Post the salary cap-funded medical retirements of Matai and Brett Stewart, the player market was expected to be Manly’s oyster.

Now there’s talk Marty Taupau is being shopped around. It’s an admission of widespread misallocation, and if the crowd favourite’s below-par output over the past fortnight is any guide, it has broken his heart.

Martin Taupau of the Sea Eagles looks on

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Even worse, Taupau’s bookend teammate, the much-touted Taniela Paseka, has been a shadow of himself since the news unfolded. Clearly frustrated, the towering prop isn’t alone, the growing evidence of on-field angst has begun to simmer.

Sadly, many of the club’s loyal supporters feel like they’ve been taken for a ride too.

Those that pledged their annual membership last season are now expected to shell out up to double last year’s going rate at the gate. If away fans can secure a seat in Newcastle for $40, then surely it’s an offence to charge $40 for a spot on the Lottoland hill, even in torrential rain.

Cashing in on the irrational passions of sports fans might be palatable in good times but with the current Sea Eagles outfit yet to strike a blow, it’s hardly sustainable to expect fans to keep fronting in their relative absence.

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From the paddock to the gate, little at Manly adds up.

The coach though seems oblivious to questions targeting perceptions of floored logic. Losses build pressure, but failing to motivate a side to deliver NRL intensity cuts to the core.

Perhaps Hasler can see what most can’t, but at 60, maybe he’s seen enough. Now in a battle to avoid the club’s first wooden spoon in 75 seasons, without any signs of improvement Hasler’s tenure is sure to fall under the spotlight.

And even without a tap on the shoulder, don’t be surprised if the revered Manly legend simply spins on his heel and splits on his own accord – middle finger raised towards a carcass of widespread mediocrity.

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