I just realised something. Manly is so far Under The Radar that it's almost as though we aren't even in the comp. Hardly spoken of in discussions about the finals, totally ignored when it comes to tips for winning. Written off by just about every media pundit.
There's a good reason why it can be an advantage to be under the radar. To some coaches it is like gold. Very few opposition outfits are going to run out to play Manly this year pumped up to play the toughest game of the year. At least not in the first half of the season. For some, by the time they realise that Manly is pumped, it will be too late.
Manly really has a big opportunity in 2017. We have added some size, some youth, some talent, some speed. Sure, we will lack combinations at first, but I have seen evidence of tremendous spirit and belief. All those attributes can go a long way, especially if a bit of real momentum kicks in.
Let's not forget this is a whole new season. Clubs will rise, clubs will fall. And one thing is certain, the landscape will look very different by the end of the season from the way it looks right now.
Here are the opening odds from last season. And we all know how that panned out. Before a ball was kicked, the eventual premiers were rated 9th!
2016 NRL Premiership
$5.50 Broncos
$6.50 Roosters
$8.00 Cowboys
$9.00 Warriors
$10 Sea Eagles
$11 Rabbitohs
$12 Storm
$13 Bulldogs
$15 Sharks
$17 Panthers
Go Manly!
There's a good reason why it can be an advantage to be under the radar. To some coaches it is like gold. Very few opposition outfits are going to run out to play Manly this year pumped up to play the toughest game of the year. At least not in the first half of the season. For some, by the time they realise that Manly is pumped, it will be too late.
Manly really has a big opportunity in 2017. We have added some size, some youth, some talent, some speed. Sure, we will lack combinations at first, but I have seen evidence of tremendous spirit and belief. All those attributes can go a long way, especially if a bit of real momentum kicks in.
Let's not forget this is a whole new season. Clubs will rise, clubs will fall. And one thing is certain, the landscape will look very different by the end of the season from the way it looks right now.
Here are the opening odds from last season. And we all know how that panned out. Before a ball was kicked, the eventual premiers were rated 9th!
2016 NRL Premiership
$5.50 Broncos
$6.50 Roosters
$8.00 Cowboys
$9.00 Warriors
$10 Sea Eagles
$11 Rabbitohs
$12 Storm
$13 Bulldogs
$15 Sharks
$17 Panthers
Go Manly!