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As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2023, the Sea Eagles are embarking on a new era after a dramatic coaching change in the off-season.
Anthony Seibold has a chance to rebuild his reputation as a coach or his time at Manly could be the last time he gets a shot at the top gig at an NRL club.
After the messy sacking of club icon Des Hasler, it’s the dawn of a new era at the Sea Eagles although the roster has not changed too much heading into their 2023 campaign.
The main question mark over their chances surrounds the decision to shift Josh Schuster from the second row to five-eighth. He bypassed the chance to represent Samoa at the World Cup to ensure he was fit and lean enough for the switch and Seibold has stated he thinks Schuster can be a success alongside Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.
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On the injury front, Tom Trbojevic is on track to play in Round 1 after a stint in the US with reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles after aggravating a recurring hamstring issue.
Josh Schuster of the Sea Eagles makes a break. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The fullback said the work with Knowles often went “above my head” but he claimed he felt more comfortable that his body wouldn’t break down.
“I think it gives me a lot of confidence and it definitely helps you mentally as well,” Trbojevic said of his time with Knowles.
“He’s not necessarily worried about the hamstring, he’s worried about making you a better athlete. Injuries come because there’s a chink in the armour, (it’s a focus) on athletic performance and getting everything working as a symphony.”
Kelma Tuilagi is their main off-season signing from the Wests Tigers, recruited at the start of last season with the Schuster switch in mind. Tuilagi will slot straight into the vacant second-row spot.
Cowboys forward Ben Condon will add to their depth while ex-Storm playmaker Cooper Johns could be used a bench utility or starting halves option if injuries strike or the Schuster switch doesn’t pan out.
Anthony Seibold after winning the 2018 Dally M Coach of the Year award. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The Sea Eagles have lost a few experienced campaigners highlighted by Kiwi five-eighth Kieran Foran finishing his career on the Gold Coast.
Martin Taupau has been released so the Sea Eagles are a bit light on for middle forwards while Dylan Walker’s switch to the Warriors means they will need to find a new utility option for the bench.
Second-rower Andrew Davey has joined the Bulldogs.
Reuben Garrick is set to move in off the wing to centre with Brad Parker set for the other spot with Morgan Harper out with a shoulder injury. Tolu Koula was impressive in his debut season and will probably end up on the flank.
With Schuster at five-eighth and Tuilagi in the second row, their other main vacancies are filled.
Tom Trbojevic suffered a hamstring injury suffered in the off-season but the star fullback is confident he will be right for the Round 1 opener against Canterbury at Brookvale on March 4.
Jason Saab being out until midway through the season with a knee injury means Christian Tuipulotu will get a sustained chance to build on last year’s efforts.
Karl Lawton missing the start of the season with a knee problem opens up a bench spot for Johns.
1 Tom Trbojevic
2 Christian Tuipulotu
3 Brad Parker
4 Reuben Garrick
5 Tolutau Koula
6 Josh Schuster
7 Daly Cherry-Evans
8 Josh Aloiai
9 Lachlan Croker
10 Taniela Paseka
11 Kelma Tuilagi
12 Haumole Olakau’atu
13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
14 Cooper Johns
15 Sean Keppie
16 Toff Sipley
17 Ben Trbojevic
Other squad members: Jason Saab, Morgan Harper, Karl Lawton, Morgan Boyle, Alec Tu’itavake (injured), Kaeo Weekes, Raymond Vaega, Ethan Bullemor, Ben Condon, Viliami Fifita, Zac Fulton.
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