2022 Season Preview - DT

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Under Sport - The article has a picture of Dylan

2022 preview: How star can line up massive pay day​

With an imposing number of middle forward options and exciting backline talent to compliment Tom Trbojevic, Manly looked primed for a huge 2022. But one position remains troublesome. SUBSCRIBE to read full squad analysis
 
SportNRL
NRL 2022: Manly Sea Eagles season preview, roster analysis, predicted finish, round 1 best 17
An impressive season will only add to Dylan Walker’s bargaining power and potentially give him the option of staying at Manly as a specialist utility, or finding a permanent starting spot elsewhere.

Manly have got much to live up to after last season after finishing just one game short of the grand final.

That they haven’t made back-to-back finals series since 2014 and need to prove they can challenge the competition heavyweights adds a couple of complexities to their 2022 campaign.

Dally M winner Tom Trbojevic consumes the majority of the headlines - and rightly so - but the class of Daly Cherry-Evans can never be underestimated while the emergence of Reuben Garrick and Josh Schuster bodes well and the development of forwards Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu will be keenly watched.

Dean Ritchie breaks down the Sea Eagles’ issues heading into the 2022 NRL season.

Kayo is your ticket to the best local and international sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

NRL 2021 SF Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters - Tom Trbojevic Must Credit NRL Photos.
NRL 2021 SF Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters - Tom Trbojevic Must Credit NRL Photos.
FINISHES IN PAST FIVE YEARS

2017: 6th

2018: 15th

2019: 6th

2020: 13th

2021: 4th (eliminated in preliminary final)

2022 ODDS

Premiership $8.50

Top four $1.75

Top 8 $1.16

Most losses $67

2022 SQUAD

Josh Aloiai, Morgan Boyle, Ethan Bullemor, Daly Cherry-Evans, Lachlan Croker, Andrew Davey, Sione Fainu, Kieran Foran, Reuben Garrick, Morgan Harper, Sean Keppie, Tolutau Koula, Karl Lawton, Haumole Olakau’atu, Brad Parker, Taniela Paseka, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Toafofoa Sipley, Jorge Taufua, Martin Taupau, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Alec Tu’itavake, Dylan Walker, Kaeo Weekes.

ROSTER IN

Ethan Bullemor (Broncos)

ROSTER OUT

Curtis Sironen (St Helens), Moses Suli (Dragons), Tevita Funa (released), Jack Gosiewski (Dragons), Zac Saddler (released), Cade Cust (Wigan)

SQUAD STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

The obvious lack of depth is at hooker, with Lachlan Croker the only recognisable rake, having made the switch into the No.9 jersey full-time in 2021. Manase Fainu won’t face court on an assault charge until the middle of the year, leaving Manly short should Croker go down injured. The Sea Eagles have an imposing number of middle options, including the likes of Josh Aloiai, Taniela Paseka, Tof Sipley, Marty Taupau, Jake Trbojevic and former Brisbane prop Ethan Bullemor. They also have an exciting young crop of outside backs coming through their system, giving them further depth. Fullback prospect Kaeo Weekes is a speed machine with plenty of raps on his talent.

Plenty of responsibility is set to fall on Lachlan Croker.

PLAYERS IN 2021 RICH 100

1 Daly Cherry-Evans $1.175 million

4 Tom Trbojevic $1.1 million

17 Jake Trbojevic $900,000

54 Martin Taupau $680,000

98 Dylan Walker $465,000

COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING

How quickly things change. Des Hasler started last season with a new deal that was signed after negotiations dragged out for eight months. A contract clause meant Hasler needed a finals appearance in his next two years to trigger an extension into 2023. When Manly equalled their worst start to a season, losing their opening four games at a combined score of 156-34, things looked bleak. But Hasler then led the Sea Eagles to 16 victories from their remaining 20 games to charge into the top four before a preliminary final loss to South Sydney. At least another two seasons at Manly will allow him to eclipse the late Bob Fulton’s record of 307 games as Sea Eagles coach. Under Hasler, Tom Trbojevic had a career year that culminated with him being named Dally M Medallist. But he also unlocked the potential of Reuben Garrick, who led the NRL in scoring, and was one of three Sea Eagles, along with Trbojevic and Jason Saab, to finish in the top five tryscorers. Expect more of the same in 2022, if he can manage Manly’s lack of hooker options.

Safety Rating: A

WHAT THEY NEED TO TWEAK

Their reliance on Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans has been an issue, but the emergence of Garrick and Josh Schuster as able replacements has been a revelation. Manly’s 32-18 Round 18 win over St George Illawarra last season came without their star pair. Instead, Garrick played in the No.1 jersey and Schuster put in a man-of-the-match performance at halfback. With Evans calling the shots, and attacking options like Trbojevic, Garrick, Saab and Schuster, the Sea Eagles have the artillery to blow opposition teams off the park. However, their record against the top teams isn’t flash, highlighting their need to shore-up their defence and put in 80-minute efforts against well-structured sides like Penrith, South Sydney and Melbourne. The continued improvement of forwards Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu, and Andrew Davey’s return from injury, will add depth to the Sea Eagles’ edge.

Big things are expected of Josh Schuster in 2022.
FREE AGENCY WRAP

They added Brisbane’s Ethan Bullemor to add depth to their forward stocks, but have not addressed the glaring issue in their roster — hooker. Releasing Curtis Sironen and Moses Suli affects their depth.

Rating: D

WHICH PLAYER CAN THEY REINVENT?Ethan Bullemor.

He has arrived from Brisbane to vie for a position in a pack stocked with middle forwards. At 190cm and 110kg, the 21-year-old could be deployed as an edge option for the Sea Eagles, with back-rowers at a premium in the NRL at the moment.

WILL DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT UPGRADED KIDS MAKE AN IMPACT?

Athletic winger Christian Tuipulotu with his three-year deal, and the youngest Trbojevic, back-rower Ben, will push the established stars in their respective positions. Tuipulotu can provide the Sea Eagles with some x-factor in an already impressive backline. The next crop of youngsters on development deals includes rising hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong and half Jamie Humphreys (the son of club CEO Stephen Humphreys).

WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP? Josh Schuster

An NRL half-in-waiting, the 20-year-old bided his time largely in the Sea Eagles’ back row in 2021 and handled the workload. He’s another Manly matchwinner with smooth hands, a big body and calm demeanour. Although he will likely play on the edge again in 2022, he will be ready to fill in for Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves when called upon, particularly during Origin, unless NSW coach Brad Fittler drafts him into the Blues squad.

Dylan Walker could be in line for a big payday with another big season at Manly.
Dylan Walker could be in line for a big payday with another big season at Manly.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR … Dylan Walker

He transformed himself into a dangerous attacking utility player in 2021, coming off the bench to terrorise tiring opposition defences. He has the ability to play fullback, centre, five-eighth and lock, as well as fill in at dummy half if the Sea Eagles are shorthanded. He signed a 12-month extension with the Sea Eagles in November after finally getting his Covid-19 vaccination. That means Walker, 27, will be off-contract when the Dolphins join the competition in 2023. An impressive season will only add to his bargaining power and potentially provide him the option of remaining at Manly as a specialist utility, or finding a permanent starting spot at another club.


WHERE THEY WILL FINISH IN 2022? 3rd

After charging from outside the top eight into fourth last season, Manly’s greatest challenge is consistency. The Sea Eagles haven’t made back-to-back finals series since 2014. While it’s hard to see them yo-yoing out of finals contention again this season, they need to prove they can challenge the competition heavyweights. Although they only play grand finalists Penrith and South Sydney once each during the regular season, they meet the Sydney Roosters, Melbourne and Parramatta twice, giving them the opportunity to stamp their authority. If Tom Trbojevic stays injury-free and the likes of Josh Schuster, Reuben Garrick and Haumole Olakau’atu continue their rapid rise, the Sea Eagles could finally break down the door of a first grand final appearance since 2013.

CAPTAINCY CONTENDERS

Daly Cherry-Evans is an established leader and an exceptionally durable player. He’s averaged 23 games a season in his 11 years in the top grade, providing Manly tremendous stability. In his absence, vice-captain Jake Trbojevic leads with his actions on the field and is largely an 80-minute player, while Kieran Foran is highly respected among the group. Josh Schuster should be left to develop his vast potential without the burden of a leadership role at this point in his career.

A spectacular turnaround in form saw the Sea Eagles climb nine spots on the ladder on the back of an incredible season from Tom Trbojevic. Turbo became the first player on record to record 25-plus tries and try assists in a season, finishing the year with 28 and 31 respectively. Throw in a casual 32 linebreaks and 131 tackle busts in just 18 games, it’s little wonder he finished the season with the Dally M Medal! To go a step further, the Sea Eagles will need to match it with the best teams as well as demolishing the teams below them on the ladder. Manly lost all six games against Penrith, Souths and Storm in 2021, by an average margin of more than 20 points, including two 20-point losses in the finals.
 
SportNRL
NRL 2022: Manly Sea Eagles season preview, roster analysis, predicted finish, round 1 best 17
An impressive season will only add to Dylan Walker’s bargaining power and potentially give him the option of staying at Manly as a specialist utility, or finding a permanent starting spot elsewhere.

Manly have got much to live up to after last season after finishing just one game short of the grand final.

That they haven’t made back-to-back finals series since 2014 and need to prove they can challenge the competition heavyweights adds a couple of complexities to their 2022 campaign.

Dally M winner Tom Trbojevic consumes the majority of the headlines - and rightly so - but the class of Daly Cherry-Evans can never be underestimated while the emergence of Reuben Garrick and Josh Schuster bodes well and the development of forwards Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu will be keenly watched.

Dean Ritchie breaks down the Sea Eagles’ issues heading into the 2022 NRL season.

Kayo is your ticket to the best local and international sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

NRL 2021 SF Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters - Tom Trbojevic Must Credit NRL Photos.
NRL 2021 SF Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters - Tom Trbojevic Must Credit NRL Photos.
FINISHES IN PAST FIVE YEARS

2017: 6th

2018: 15th

2019: 6th

2020: 13th

2021: 4th (eliminated in preliminary final)

2022 ODDS

Premiership $8.50

Top four $1.75

Top 8 $1.16

Most losses $67

2022 SQUAD

Josh Aloiai, Morgan Boyle, Ethan Bullemor, Daly Cherry-Evans, Lachlan Croker, Andrew Davey, Sione Fainu, Kieran Foran, Reuben Garrick, Morgan Harper, Sean Keppie, Tolutau Koula, Karl Lawton, Haumole Olakau’atu, Brad Parker, Taniela Paseka, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Toafofoa Sipley, Jorge Taufua, Martin Taupau, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Alec Tu’itavake, Dylan Walker, Kaeo Weekes.

ROSTER IN

Ethan Bullemor (Broncos)

ROSTER OUT

Curtis Sironen (St Helens), Moses Suli (Dragons), Tevita Funa (released), Jack Gosiewski (Dragons), Zac Saddler (released), Cade Cust (Wigan)

SQUAD STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

The obvious lack of depth is at hooker, with Lachlan Croker the only recognisable rake, having made the switch into the No.9 jersey full-time in 2021. Manase Fainu won’t face court on an assault charge until the middle of the year, leaving Manly short should Croker go down injured. The Sea Eagles have an imposing number of middle options, including the likes of Josh Aloiai, Taniela Paseka, Tof Sipley, Marty Taupau, Jake Trbojevic and former Brisbane prop Ethan Bullemor. They also have an exciting young crop of outside backs coming through their system, giving them further depth. Fullback prospect Kaeo Weekes is a speed machine with plenty of raps on his talent.

Plenty of responsibility is set to fall on Lachlan Croker.

PLAYERS IN 2021 RICH 100

1 Daly Cherry-Evans $1.175 million

4 Tom Trbojevic $1.1 million

17 Jake Trbojevic $900,000

54 Martin Taupau $680,000

98 Dylan Walker $465,000

COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING

How quickly things change. Des Hasler started last season with a new deal that was signed after negotiations dragged out for eight months. A contract clause meant Hasler needed a finals appearance in his next two years to trigger an extension into 2023. When Manly equalled their worst start to a season, losing their opening four games at a combined score of 156-34, things looked bleak. But Hasler then led the Sea Eagles to 16 victories from their remaining 20 games to charge into the top four before a preliminary final loss to South Sydney. At least another two seasons at Manly will allow him to eclipse the late Bob Fulton’s record of 307 games as Sea Eagles coach. Under Hasler, Tom Trbojevic had a career year that culminated with him being named Dally M Medallist. But he also unlocked the potential of Reuben Garrick, who led the NRL in scoring, and was one of three Sea Eagles, along with Trbojevic and Jason Saab, to finish in the top five tryscorers. Expect more of the same in 2022, if he can manage Manly’s lack of hooker options.

Safety Rating: A

WHAT THEY NEED TO TWEAK

Their reliance on Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans has been an issue, but the emergence of Garrick and Josh Schuster as able replacements has been a revelation. Manly’s 32-18 Round 18 win over St George Illawarra last season came without their star pair. Instead, Garrick played in the No.1 jersey and Schuster put in a man-of-the-match performance at halfback. With Evans calling the shots, and attacking options like Trbojevic, Garrick, Saab and Schuster, the Sea Eagles have the artillery to blow opposition teams off the park. However, their record against the top teams isn’t flash, highlighting their need to shore-up their defence and put in 80-minute efforts against well-structured sides like Penrith, South Sydney and Melbourne. The continued improvement of forwards Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu, and Andrew Davey’s return from injury, will add depth to the Sea Eagles’ edge.

Big things are expected of Josh Schuster in 2022.
FREE AGENCY WRAP

They added Brisbane’s Ethan Bullemor to add depth to their forward stocks, but have not addressed the glaring issue in their roster — hooker. Releasing Curtis Sironen and Moses Suli affects their depth.

Rating: D

WHICH PLAYER CAN THEY REINVENT?Ethan Bullemor.

He has arrived from Brisbane to vie for a position in a pack stocked with middle forwards. At 190cm and 110kg, the 21-year-old could be deployed as an edge option for the Sea Eagles, with back-rowers at a premium in the NRL at the moment.

WILL DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT UPGRADED KIDS MAKE AN IMPACT?

Athletic winger Christian Tuipulotu with his three-year deal, and the youngest Trbojevic, back-rower Ben, will push the established stars in their respective positions. Tuipulotu can provide the Sea Eagles with some x-factor in an already impressive backline. The next crop of youngsters on development deals includes rising hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong and half Jamie Humphreys (the son of club CEO Stephen Humphreys).

WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP? Josh Schuster

An NRL half-in-waiting, the 20-year-old bided his time largely in the Sea Eagles’ back row in 2021 and handled the workload. He’s another Manly matchwinner with smooth hands, a big body and calm demeanour. Although he will likely play on the edge again in 2022, he will be ready to fill in for Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves when called upon, particularly during Origin, unless NSW coach Brad Fittler drafts him into the Blues squad.

Dylan Walker could be in line for a big payday with another big season at Manly.
Dylan Walker could be in line for a big payday with another big season at Manly.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR … Dylan Walker

He transformed himself into a dangerous attacking utility player in 2021, coming off the bench to terrorise tiring opposition defences. He has the ability to play fullback, centre, five-eighth and lock, as well as fill in at dummy half if the Sea Eagles are shorthanded. He signed a 12-month extension with the Sea Eagles in November after finally getting his Covid-19 vaccination. That means Walker, 27, will be off-contract when the Dolphins join the competition in 2023. An impressive season will only add to his bargaining power and potentially provide him the option of remaining at Manly as a specialist utility, or finding a permanent starting spot at another club.


WHERE THEY WILL FINISH IN 2022? 3rd

After charging from outside the top eight into fourth last season, Manly’s greatest challenge is consistency. The Sea Eagles haven’t made back-to-back finals series since 2014. While it’s hard to see them yo-yoing out of finals contention again this season, they need to prove they can challenge the competition heavyweights. Although they only play grand finalists Penrith and South Sydney once each during the regular season, they meet the Sydney Roosters, Melbourne and Parramatta twice, giving them the opportunity to stamp their authority. If Tom Trbojevic stays injury-free and the likes of Josh Schuster, Reuben Garrick and Haumole Olakau’atu continue their rapid rise, the Sea Eagles could finally break down the door of a first grand final appearance since 2013.

CAPTAINCY CONTENDERS

Daly Cherry-Evans is an established leader and an exceptionally durable player. He’s averaged 23 games a season in his 11 years in the top grade, providing Manly tremendous stability. In his absence, vice-captain Jake Trbojevic leads with his actions on the field and is largely an 80-minute player, while Kieran Foran is highly respected among the group. Josh Schuster should be left to develop his vast potential without the burden of a leadership role at this point in his career.

A spectacular turnaround in form saw the Sea Eagles climb nine spots on the ladder on the back of an incredible season from Tom Trbojevic. Turbo became the first player on record to record 25-plus tries and try assists in a season, finishing the year with 28 and 31 respectively. Throw in a casual 32 linebreaks and 131 tackle busts in just 18 games, it’s little wonder he finished the season with the Dally M Medal! To go a step further, the Sea Eagles will need to match it with the best teams as well as demolishing the teams below them on the ladder. Manly lost all six games against Penrith, Souths and Storm in 2021, by an average margin of more than 20 points, including two 20-point losses in the finals.
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SportNRL
NRL 2022: Manly Sea Eagles season preview, roster analysis, predicted finish, round 1 best 17
An impressive season will only add to Dylan Walker’s bargaining power and potentially give him the option of staying at Manly as a specialist utility, or finding a permanent starting spot elsewhere.

Manly have got much to live up to after last season after finishing just one game short of the grand final.

That they haven’t made back-to-back finals series since 2014 and need to prove they can challenge the competition heavyweights adds a couple of complexities to their 2022 campaign.

Dally M winner Tom Trbojevic consumes the majority of the headlines - and rightly so - but the class of Daly Cherry-Evans can never be underestimated while the emergence of Reuben Garrick and Josh Schuster bodes well and the development of forwards Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu will be keenly watched.

Dean Ritchie breaks down the Sea Eagles’ issues heading into the 2022 NRL season.

Kayo is your ticket to the best local and international sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

NRL 2021 SF Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters - Tom Trbojevic Must Credit NRL Photos.
NRL 2021 SF Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters - Tom Trbojevic Must Credit NRL Photos.
FINISHES IN PAST FIVE YEARS

2017: 6th

2018: 15th

2019: 6th

2020: 13th

2021: 4th (eliminated in preliminary final)

2022 ODDS

Premiership $8.50

Top four $1.75

Top 8 $1.16

Most losses $67

2022 SQUAD

Josh Aloiai, Morgan Boyle, Ethan Bullemor, Daly Cherry-Evans, Lachlan Croker, Andrew Davey, Sione Fainu, Kieran Foran, Reuben Garrick, Morgan Harper, Sean Keppie, Tolutau Koula, Karl Lawton, Haumole Olakau’atu, Brad Parker, Taniela Paseka, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Toafofoa Sipley, Jorge Taufua, Martin Taupau, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Alec Tu’itavake, Dylan Walker, Kaeo Weekes.

ROSTER IN

Ethan Bullemor (Broncos)

ROSTER OUT

Curtis Sironen (St Helens), Moses Suli (Dragons), Tevita Funa (released), Jack Gosiewski (Dragons), Zac Saddler (released), Cade Cust (Wigan)

SQUAD STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

The obvious lack of depth is at hooker, with Lachlan Croker the only recognisable rake, having made the switch into the No.9 jersey full-time in 2021. Manase Fainu won’t face court on an assault charge until the middle of the year, leaving Manly short should Croker go down injured. The Sea Eagles have an imposing number of middle options, including the likes of Josh Aloiai, Taniela Paseka, Tof Sipley, Marty Taupau, Jake Trbojevic and former Brisbane prop Ethan Bullemor. They also have an exciting young crop of outside backs coming through their system, giving them further depth. Fullback prospect Kaeo Weekes is a speed machine with plenty of raps on his talent.

Plenty of responsibility is set to fall on Lachlan Croker.

PLAYERS IN 2021 RICH 100

1 Daly Cherry-Evans $1.175 million

4 Tom Trbojevic $1.1 million

17 Jake Trbojevic $900,000

54 Martin Taupau $680,000

98 Dylan Walker $465,000

COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING

How quickly things change. Des Hasler started last season with a new deal that was signed after negotiations dragged out for eight months. A contract clause meant Hasler needed a finals appearance in his next two years to trigger an extension into 2023. When Manly equalled their worst start to a season, losing their opening four games at a combined score of 156-34, things looked bleak. But Hasler then led the Sea Eagles to 16 victories from their remaining 20 games to charge into the top four before a preliminary final loss to South Sydney. At least another two seasons at Manly will allow him to eclipse the late Bob Fulton’s record of 307 games as Sea Eagles coach. Under Hasler, Tom Trbojevic had a career year that culminated with him being named Dally M Medallist. But he also unlocked the potential of Reuben Garrick, who led the NRL in scoring, and was one of three Sea Eagles, along with Trbojevic and Jason Saab, to finish in the top five tryscorers. Expect more of the same in 2022, if he can manage Manly’s lack of hooker options.

Safety Rating: A

WHAT THEY NEED TO TWEAK

Their reliance on Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans has been an issue, but the emergence of Garrick and Josh Schuster as able replacements has been a revelation. Manly’s 32-18 Round 18 win over St George Illawarra last season came without their star pair. Instead, Garrick played in the No.1 jersey and Schuster put in a man-of-the-match performance at halfback. With Evans calling the shots, and attacking options like Trbojevic, Garrick, Saab and Schuster, the Sea Eagles have the artillery to blow opposition teams off the park. However, their record against the top teams isn’t flash, highlighting their need to shore-up their defence and put in 80-minute efforts against well-structured sides like Penrith, South Sydney and Melbourne. The continued improvement of forwards Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu, and Andrew Davey’s return from injury, will add depth to the Sea Eagles’ edge.

Big things are expected of Josh Schuster in 2022.
FREE AGENCY WRAP

They added Brisbane’s Ethan Bullemor to add depth to their forward stocks, but have not addressed the glaring issue in their roster — hooker. Releasing Curtis Sironen and Moses Suli affects their depth.

Rating: D

WHICH PLAYER CAN THEY REINVENT?Ethan Bullemor.

He has arrived from Brisbane to vie for a position in a pack stocked with middle forwards. At 190cm and 110kg, the 21-year-old could be deployed as an edge option for the Sea Eagles, with back-rowers at a premium in the NRL at the moment.

WILL DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT UPGRADED KIDS MAKE AN IMPACT?

Athletic winger Christian Tuipulotu with his three-year deal, and the youngest Trbojevic, back-rower Ben, will push the established stars in their respective positions. Tuipulotu can provide the Sea Eagles with some x-factor in an already impressive backline. The next crop of youngsters on development deals includes rising hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong and half Jamie Humphreys (the son of club CEO Stephen Humphreys).

WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP? Josh Schuster

An NRL half-in-waiting, the 20-year-old bided his time largely in the Sea Eagles’ back row in 2021 and handled the workload. He’s another Manly matchwinner with smooth hands, a big body and calm demeanour. Although he will likely play on the edge again in 2022, he will be ready to fill in for Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves when called upon, particularly during Origin, unless NSW coach Brad Fittler drafts him into the Blues squad.

Dylan Walker could be in line for a big payday with another big season at Manly.
Dylan Walker could be in line for a big payday with another big season at Manly.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR … Dylan Walker

He transformed himself into a dangerous attacking utility player in 2021, coming off the bench to terrorise tiring opposition defences. He has the ability to play fullback, centre, five-eighth and lock, as well as fill in at dummy half if the Sea Eagles are shorthanded. He signed a 12-month extension with the Sea Eagles in November after finally getting his Covid-19 vaccination. That means Walker, 27, will be off-contract when the Dolphins join the competition in 2023. An impressive season will only add to his bargaining power and potentially provide him the option of remaining at Manly as a specialist utility, or finding a permanent starting spot at another club.


WHERE THEY WILL FINISH IN 2022? 3rd

After charging from outside the top eight into fourth last season, Manly’s greatest challenge is consistency. The Sea Eagles haven’t made back-to-back finals series since 2014. While it’s hard to see them yo-yoing out of finals contention again this season, they need to prove they can challenge the competition heavyweights. Although they only play grand finalists Penrith and South Sydney once each during the regular season, they meet the Sydney Roosters, Melbourne and Parramatta twice, giving them the opportunity to stamp their authority. If Tom Trbojevic stays injury-free and the likes of Josh Schuster, Reuben Garrick and Haumole Olakau’atu continue their rapid rise, the Sea Eagles could finally break down the door of a first grand final appearance since 2013.

CAPTAINCY CONTENDERS

Daly Cherry-Evans is an established leader and an exceptionally durable player. He’s averaged 23 games a season in his 11 years in the top grade, providing Manly tremendous stability. In his absence, vice-captain Jake Trbojevic leads with his actions on the field and is largely an 80-minute player, while Kieran Foran is highly respected among the group. Josh Schuster should be left to develop his vast potential without the burden of a leadership role at this point in his career.

A spectacular turnaround in form saw the Sea Eagles climb nine spots on the ladder on the back of an incredible season from Tom Trbojevic. Turbo became the first player on record to record 25-plus tries and try assists in a season, finishing the year with 28 and 31 respectively. Throw in a casual 32 linebreaks and 131 tackle busts in just 18 games, it’s little wonder he finished the season with the Dally M Medal! To go a step further, the Sea Eagles will need to match it with the best teams as well as demolishing the teams below them on the ladder. Manly lost all six games against Penrith, Souths and Storm in 2021, by an average margin of more than 20 points, including two 20-point losses in the finals.
Thank you @Eagles4Life . Great work

Lots of positives and a few challenges facing us in 2022

We have a very good 2022 SQUAD on paper
I hope they will perform even better on grass
I also hope Des is loyal to all players in the squad and not just the same 17 week in week out

We have some talented keen youngsters hungry for success in the NRL and I hope Des does not starve them .

I hope Des does not wait until some under performing player gets injured before he replaces them as he did last season .
Our Seasons better younger performing back rowers Schuster and Olakauato had to waite until the Under performing Gosieski and Sironen were injured before they were given a go

Our 2022 team is not made up of only 17 players . It is made up of 30 players and I am looking forward to each one those players competing for a spot in the top 17 and may the best performing players be rewarded each week . .

Josh Aloiai, Morgan Boyle, Ethan Bullemor, Daly Cherry-Evans, Lachlan Croker, Andrew Davey, Sione Fainu, Kieran Foran, Reuben Garrick, Morgan Harper, Sean Keppie, Tolutau Koula, Karl Lawton, Haumole Olakau’atu, Brad Parker, Taniela Paseka, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Toafofoa Sipley, Jorge Taufua, Martin Taupau, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Alec Tu’itavake, Dylan Walker, Kaeo Weekes.
 
After reading the DT article ,looks like Dean Ritchie wants to see Schuster at 6 , for Manly to move up another level from 2021 . He has a valid point .
Schuster looks a more stronger, more imposing and formidable force than Foran who is past his best

Foran was a great player at his peak but Schuster is on the rise and the aging Foz is on the slide
 
Decent recap, he makes a fair point about hooker too.
The important point here is the Hooker position is part of the critical spine make up of a team

Our makeshift hooker Croker has gone above and beyond his call of duty and has been holding his own

But the fact is the top premiership contenders that we have had trouble with have the edge over us with their superior number 9's

Karl Lawton was given a shot at 9 and held his own but he did not shine either .

The difference between winning and losing the big games is making the game your own and not just Holding your own
 
I hope Walker has a huge season.

But if I was a betting man, I'd suggest he will be plying his trade elsewhere (Redcliffe maybe) in 2023
You would think so, the better he plays the better the contract $s. Off subject, are you from Brisbane and once played Indoor cricket at Capalaba/Victoria point, team name was Basic Spirits. One of my team mates back then followed Manly and his nickname was Disco...
 
You would think so, the better he plays the better the contract $s. Off subject, are you from Brisbane and once played Indoor cricket at Capalaba/Victoria point, team name was Basic Spirits. One of my team mates back then followed Manly and his nickname was Disco...
Nah not me

My nickname isn't Disco and I honestly have no idea why I made my username that 17 odd years ago.

Sure it was a funny joke at the time....
 
I reckon Dylan will have a have a huge year in 2022 as he just adds that ‘x’ factor to the middle. It relieves pressure on Turbo, Foran and DCE. Add Bullemor to that and you have two absolute speedsters immediately left and right of the ruck and coming from deep, which will put all sorts of doubt in the defensive structure.
 
Nah not me

My nickname isn't Disco and I honestly have no idea why I made my username that 17 odd years ago.

Sure it was a funny joke at the time....
Nah not me

My nickname isn't Disco and I honestly have no idea why I made my username that 17 odd years ago.

Sure it was a funny joke at the time....
That's a shame, one day I'll find him..lol. Thanks Disco..
 

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