Have you put a red line through Manly?

[Big Pete]

After suffering a 30 point defeat in their opening game of the season and with their starting halves pairing signalling they're off to other clubs for 2016, is it too early to put a red line through Manly's finals chances in 2015?

In recent times the Sea Eagles are a club that have thrived under adversity but after the departures of Glenn Stewart, Anthony Watmough and soon Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans it seems like the wheels have well and truly come off.

What do you guys say?

 

[Big Pete]

Personally I have.

There's always one or two clubs that fail to back-up their efforts from the previous season and I think the Sea Eagles have put their hands up to fill that role.

Their forward pack looks weak without Watmough, they're struggling for confidence and with the injury toll mounting I don't think luck is on their side.

If the Rabbits weren't taking on the Roosters in what should be a great spectacle, I'd suggest that the most important match of the round is the battle at Brooky between Manly and Melbourne. Both these clubs invariably put on great matches together and heading into the season, it seemed like Manly would hold the advantage as Melbourne were backing up from Monday which is usually very difficult on teams but quite honestly, I think Bromwich is going to lead the way and Melbourne will win it fairly comfortably, setting a tone that will last the entire season for the Sea Eagles.

Moving forward, I have no idea what the Sea Eagles can do. I thought if they were at least able to hold onto Foran, they could build around him but it appears that their run that has lasted since 2005 has come to an end.

 

[Unbreakable]

Yeah they're completely cooked, they've lost 5 of their best players in the last 12 months (DCE, Foran, Watmough, G.Stewart, King), and their big marquee signing is.. Willie Mason?

They'll be terrible for many years to come, especially once B.Stewart & Lyon retire (2-3 seasons I guess)

 

[Ari Gold]

If Origin is an example of Lyons willingness to play for shit teams he will retire by mid season.

 

[BroncosAlways]

Despite losing all they're best players I've learnt never to write manly off. If one team could survive in their situation it'd be them, but it'll be tough to say the least. If I was them I'd be on the lookout for an experienced half, an up and coming half to learn and play off the other, and some big name forwards. Otherwise they're fucked

 

[Alec]

Hasler built the club into a powerhouse and left it strong enough to go another few seasons without him. Now they are feeling it, it's up to Toovey to show he isn't a dud.

 

[vertigo]

Seems bizarre, I always believed the playing group was above the off-field squabbles but I guess something had to give.

Player exodus reminds me of us after 2008..

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Yeah pretty much. They've got some serious issues at that club. How you lose that halves pairing within a week or two of each other is just insane.

 

[Socnorb]

I thought they overachieved last year . Cracks were appearing in the later rounds.

 

[Rally Towel]

Not entirely. Assuming Cherry stays on this year, they've still got class in the key positions to be competitive. Their forward quality and depth is certainly a big mark against them.

That said...

Stewart wasn't a factor last year for them, though losing Watmough is a blow for them (despite his decline), yet they were still up there come September. Especially if Burgess, Mason and Mateo can put forth a serviceable effort for their younger forwards to rally behind.

I'd expect them to still make the top 8 based on their strength in key positions this year, but they'll be fodder for the real heavyweights.

Stick a fork in them for next year though. Especially if Foran moves on. Brett Stewart and Lyon won't be enough to carry them from there.

 

[Morkel]

I'm going to go for a long shot here, but I'll say no. But only if DCE goes. If that's the case, I reckon Manly will try to swap him for... Bird. Yep, big if, but once he gets his customary slap, he'll be free to play and there is no one else in the Titans roster that suits Manly so well. Though not as workhorsy as Watmough (Burher will be the numbers back-rower) or adept at ball-playing as Glewart, he offers a good compromise between the two with arguably more aggression. And willingness (desire even) to play dirty, and revels in being hated. Also wants out of the club too IIRC.

I reckon they'll buy some halves from elsewhere. Glad we locked in Hunt already.

 

[Renegade]

They're fucked, they will be in the wilderness for a few years but they've had a good run. They've been up there or thereabouts since what, 2005-2006?

 

[Super Freak]

The spine they have, I wouldn't rule them out. They have some classy players in their side that can get them over the line and get them in the finals. I don't think they are the threat they were a few years ago but they will be there come September..

But next year? No. Losing one half is bad enough but losing both? They will struggle for a few years but they will be back eventually.

 

[Huge]

Manly are full of surprises aren't they...just when you think they have no future

 

[Alec]

They'll always be competitive during the regular season with that deadly spine and amazing back line (at full strength), but can't see them doing much in the finals with that vomit forward pack.

 

[Big Pete]

Credit to Manly, it was a good win tonight and DCE reminded everyone what he can do.

It hasn't deterred me though. Melbourne aren't exactly in red-hot form themselves and were backing up from the Monday. I think that was basically Manly at their best with Mateo producing one of his rare 'good' games. I doubt we'll see 11 more performances like that.

 

[CaptainHook]

Credit to Manly, it was a good win tonight and DCE reminded everyone what he can do.

It hasn't deterred me though. Melbourne aren't exactly in red-hot form themselves and were backing up from the Monday. I think that was basically Manly at their best with Mateo producing one of his rare 'good' games. I doubt we'll see 11 more performances like that.

Good point. I wonder how many tipped Manly to win. Personally, I didn't but I should have known better. I have a theory - if a team gets a week of rave reviews and positive press they will come out next week and get hammered. That's why I picked the Bulldogs the other night. All and sundry were crowing about the Eels after round 1 - I just knew they couldn't back it up.

Unfortunately, I forgot that the opposite is also true. A week of getting bagged from pillar to post will make a team play better. Manly couldn't wait for the footy to start this week. They would have rolled any team last night.

The public display of unity was definitely designed to send a message. Can it be sustained for a whole season? Looking forward to Round 3.

 

[Big Pete]

My mind was already made up when I realised the game was being played on the Saturday, Buhrer would be a late inclusion and that Littlejohn wouldn't be playing. All those would have swayed me but I knew it was going to be a close game, even at 24-6.

The Doggies seem to have the Sea Eagles measure as of late, if Manly beat the Dogs I may have to make a meal of my 2015 Season Guide and pencil the Sea Eagles into the 8.