2025 recruitment & retention

For me the band aid solutions at nine need to ripped off, Croker can do a job but is not the way forward along with Jake or Tevega, they can pass the ball and defend and that don’t cut it as a nine.

The team is screaming out for an effective attacking number nine who can play a pivotal role in orchestrating the team's offensive strategies.

We have Croker who is primarily focused on defense and distributing the ball from dummy halve, today's number nines are dynamic playmakers who can exploit defensive weaknesses. They possess exceptional ball-handling skills, enabling them to execute quick passes and set up plays that can destabilise the opposition's defensive line.

The best number nines posses the ability to read the game and make split-second decisions which is crucial, as they often dictate the pace and direction of the attack.

An attacking number nine must be adept at spotting opportunities to run from dummy half, creating space and drawing in defenders, which can lead to breaks or overlaps for their teammates.

An effective attacking number nine contributes significantly to the team's overall offensive structure by providing support and linking play between the forwards and backs. Their mobility and agility allow them to be involved in multiple phases of play, ensuring continuity and fluidity in attack.

The best the team looked in 2024 was with Simpkin at nine and Gordy on the pine, the recruitment of Zaidas Muagututia suggests the club are looking at implementing a modern number nine, hoping these three lads can be very effective in 2025.
 
We have Croker who is primarily focused on defense and distributing the ball from dummy halve, today's number nines are dynamic playmakers who can exploit defensive weaknesses. They possess exceptional ball-handling skills, enabling them to execute quick passes and set up plays that can destabilise the opposition's defensive line.
We also have had two coaches in Des and Seibold who's Primarily focus was to build their game plan around Croker

We also know that we all make our bed and lie in it
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For a minute there @BOZO I thought you were treating us with a recipe from your personal cookbook, had my hopes up there.
Good morning and thank you for your reply feathered friend

The Manly Recipe for Premiership Winning Success is
a Pinch of Talent and a Punch of Resilience Stirred with Ruthlessness and Relentlessness
 
For me the band aid solutions at nine need to ripped off, Croker can do a job but is not the way forward along with Jake or Tevega, they can pass the ball and defend and that don’t cut it as a nine.

The team is screaming out for an effective attacking number nine who can play a pivotal role in orchestrating the team's offensive strategies.

We have Croker who is primarily focused on defense and distributing the ball from dummy halve, today's number nines are dynamic playmakers who can exploit defensive weaknesses. They possess exceptional ball-handling skills, enabling them to execute quick passes and set up plays that can destabilise the opposition's defensive line.

The best number nines posses the ability to read the game and make split-second decisions which is crucial, as they often dictate the pace and direction of the attack.

An attacking number nine must be adept at spotting opportunities to run from dummy half, creating space and drawing in defenders, which can lead to breaks or overlaps for their teammates.

An effective attacking number nine contributes significantly to the team's overall offensive structure by providing support and linking play between the forwards and backs. Their mobility and agility allow them to be involved in multiple phases of play, ensuring continuity and fluidity in attack.

The best the team looked in 2024 was with Simpkin at nine and Gordy on the pine, the recruitment of Zaidas Muagututia suggests the club are looking at implementing a modern number nine, hoping these three lads can be very effective in 2025.
Agree completely. Our best stretch last season was definitely with Simpkin at 9 and Gordie 14 and I suspect Seibold felt pressured to bring Croker back in once he was healthy again. Simpkin admittedly didn't have his best game the first time we lost to the Roosters so Seibs would've seen that as the best chance to bring Croker back in, but that certainly didn't help when we lost to them even worse in the finals with Frog as our only hooker..

My hope for next year is that Seibold isn't so influenced by the boys club (led by Tom/Jake) i.e. Croker being a walk-up starter, Garrick in the centres, Jake playing 80, Burbo etc. Waddell being given a 3 year extension rather than one doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence. At least we have seen young Zaidas as well as Large/Walsh on the Manly Way and across the socials so hopefully that means they are somewhat in consideration, given we haven't really signed anyone of note for next year and are running very much the same side as this year (minus Lawton) it's these guys we can look to provide some improvement and potential for the squad
 
Leo Thompson told Newcastle he won’t be staying after this season yesterday. Hopefully if DCE signs another 1 year extension he’d be willing to take a big pay cut to fit in another top player. Dogs & Raiders are big favs to sign him but with Bull & Sipley still off contract for 2026 would be good if we are planning a late bid
 
Bullemor may have decided to pursue his business career, as he potentially could earn a lot more than he ever will in NRL.

I had high hopes for Toff, however, his lateral movement in defence is a big weakness he has to address. Mind you, the whole damn team has to improve in defence.
 
Interesting that Leigh Leapords are saying they have pulled out of Signing Condon. Was it not a done deal? I guess an intervening event like accidental injury may potentially mean any contract with them was frustrated and null and void.

Does he still have a contract with us? You would think not but probably depends on the fine print.

The timing of zerotackle adding Condon back to our 30 suggests they knew something. Given it was before Leigh added more details.

Watch this space.
 
Watching Manly vs. Knights golden point game from 2008 (our 40-0 year). I'm shocked to see Michael Bani playing , and also that David Vaeliki was in that squad.
 
Interesting that Leigh Leapords are saying they have pulled out of Signing Condon. Was it not a done deal? I guess an intervening event like accidental injury may potentially mean any contract with them was frustrated and null and void.

Does he still have a contract with us? You would think not but probably depends on the fine print.

The timing of zerotackle adding Condon back to our 30 suggests they knew something. Given it was before Leigh added more details.

Watch this space.
One minute the condom is off now he is back on!

Just sayin’
 

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