PRIDE ON THE LINE FOR REVAMPED SEA EAGLES
A NEW coaching staff, led by Anthony Seibold has given the northern beaches club a chance at a fresh start. Manly’s 2022 campaign came to a grinding halt after the pride jersey controversy in August last year. With Seibold at the helm and superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic fit, the Sea Eagles are poised for a competitive showing in 2023.
BACKS
If I’m a Manly fan, I’m excited about Tolutau Koula’s growth at centre. He’s a great mover, well balanced runner of the footy, quick and an underrated defender. Brad Parker is rock solid and consistently gets the job done. In Seibold’s best side, Reuben Garrick belongs on the wing. Kaeo Weekes has shown he has enough talent to step in at fullback if Tom Trbojevic is out. Losing winger Jason Saab to an ACL injury late last year was a huge blow but Christian Tuipulotu is a capable fill-in.
SPINE
It’s no surprise that the more time Tom Trbojevic and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans can spend time on the field together, the better Manly will go this year. There’s been a lot of talk about Josh Schuster putting in the work to ensure he can get through 80 minutes in the halves. The skills Schuster has in his game suit a move from the backrow into No.6. But how badly Schuster wants to play at five-eighth, compete every week and have the desire to win will dictate the success of the switch. Lachlan Croker’s game has grown and the emergence of Gordon Chan Kum Tong has given Seibold depth at hooker.
FORWARDS
Kelma Tuilagi and Haumole Olakau’atu give Manly a strike forward on both sides of the field.
Tuilagi showed in the trials he’s not just all power, he’s got the catch and pass skill. Olakau’atu is big, strong and aggressive defensively. Headed up by Jake Trbojevic, the middles with Josh Aloiai and Sean Keppie provide starch. If Seibold can unlock the potential of Taniela Paseka he could be anything.