Manly's Backline

[Buzz Killington]

I have not seen a backline as good as this one in a very long time. They have absolutely no weaknesses in attack or defence and they are just scary when they are all fit.
1. Stewart - Hate the guy but an amazing defensive player (second probably only to Slater) and in attack always knows where to be to finish and runs great lines.
2. Taufua - In the top 3 wingers in the competition brutal defender and a fantastic finisher.
3. Lyon - Outside of maybe Hodges the best cetnre in the game, great defender and incredible at involving his outside man. Also great in the air especially batting down for teammates.
4. Matai - So easy to hate him but such an underrated player, great defender and in attack he draws players in and releases his winger.
5. Williams - Very good club winger, finishes very well and in defence doesn't do a lot wrong.
6. Foran - Best defender that is a natural 6 since Wally Lewis, great runner and passer and also has a deft kicking game. Absolutely top class 6.
7. DCE - Future QLD and Australia no.7, amazing running and supporting game and just has all he weapons to be one of the alltime greats.
It is definitely the best I have seen since the Broncos 93-94 era where we had O'Neill, Hancock, Renouf, Johns, Carne/Sailor, Walter and Langer.

 

[Alec]

1-7 is definitely the best in the comp.
1-5 would go to Canberra at full strength IMO (1. Milford 2. Ferguson 3. Wighton 4. Croker 5. Lee)

I wouldn't call Taufua a top 3 winger though. Possibly not even top 10.

 

[Buzz Killington]

1-7 is definitely the best in the comp.
1-5 would go to Canberra at full strength IMO (1. Milford 2. Ferguson 3. Wighton 4. Croker 5. Lee)

I wouldn't call Taufua a top 3 winger though. Possibly not even top 10.

Name 10 better current wingers better than Taufua. Outside of Brett Morris there aren't many who could be argued are better than him. Also there is no way Ferguson will be playing wing when he returns for Canberra.

 

[Big Pete]

Fair point.

Tonight was a fun performance to watch from them. Parra were absolutely dreadful but Manly made them pay with some enterprising footy. I don't know if I'd call it the best backline I've seen in years, as Manly have fielded some damn good backlines in the past when the likes of Stewart & Lyon were in better form but definitely a worthy nominee.

It's between them and the Chooks for the best backline in the competition as of right now. Canberra have a promising backline but it's premature to declare them the best.

Taufua is a class player. I remember back in 2011 he'd basically carry a woeful Manly side to a couple wins. One performance against the Broncos in particular stands out. Very good player and definitely somebody the Blues selectors need to consider for 2014.

It's amazing how he came in just as Hoppa Jr. departed. What a replacement.

 

[Alec]

It's between them and the Chooks for the best backline in the competition as of right now.

I don't think a back line that has SKD and Minichiello can be considered the best.

 

[Big Pete]

Yet one that features a bunch of players in their first or second season can be?

 

[Alec]

Based on talent, yes.

 

[Big Pete]

Based on performance, no.

If we're basing it on talent then SKD is still one of the best centres in the world. Doesn't work that way.

 

[Alec]

I'd take Canberra's back 5 over the Roosters 5 every time. You can't tell me you wouldn't either?

 

[Big Pete]

Well when you put it like that...:001_unsure:

 

[Broncoman]

Agree with what was said expect for Taufua, he is a gun with great speed and power and imo he is the best young winger in the competition. Not only is Manly's backline one of the best they have a great team all round, no surprise that they are strongly placed again.

 

[Alec]

I think the Roosters are carried by their forwards (especially guys like Moa, JWH up front and SBW being their best all round (ball)player) and their defence more than their backs. I actually think their back line will be their downfall in the finals.

 

[Big Pete]

Sydney are a very well balanced outfit from top to bottom. What gives them the nod for me is that they've been able to remain consistent through out the entire season where as Canberra have been absolutely dreadful in places and unfortunately for them haven't been able to keep their best team on the field. However, I don't think it's fair to say they're the best backline in the competition when there isn't much to support that.

Manly have the crown for sure and I think Sydney aren't far behind.

 

[theshed]

If we are talking 1-5 than you can't beat the Dogs.

1. Barba
2. Perret
3. Inu
4. Morris
5. Whoever

 

[Buzz Killington]

If we are talking 1-5 than you can't beat the Dogs.

1. Barba
2. Perret
3. Inu
4. Morris
5. Whoever

Stewart on a defence and offence basis (plus on a consistency basis) smashes Barba, Taufua is about 10 times the player Perrett is, Lyon is far better than Inu especially in terms of consistency, Matai is at least as good as Morris and Williams is as good as anyone on that wing.

 

[theshed]

Geewhiz, what a buzzkill this guy is.

 

[animal eater]

Agreed Manly do have the best 1-7 in the game. First off DCE and Foran are the best 6/7 combo going around. They also have the best centers on one team. Stewart is pretty slick and honestly you could stick Maranta on their wing and they would still be potent. And that is saying something.:loool:

 

[Browny]

The lenght of the field try was brilliant to watch. They have this unselfish play for each thing going