2025 recruitment & retention

[Phobia]

I think Bullemor needs to prove he can consistently stay in first grade this season, many people on here with rose-tinted glasses on Bullemor from last season, but there was a period when Waddell genuinely offered more off the bench than Bullemor. Bullemor was dropped, and returned from NSW cup a better player. He avoids that this coming year, he probably gets extended. I rate Seibs as a coach, and I think on a standards perspective, he probably considers extending Sipley and Bullemor within the same bucket, where they need to prove consistency to stay.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

For a player on the upward trajectory, finally getting recognised by International (and probably state) selectors, it's ludicrous that we've been signing the likes of Tevaga (30), Taukeiaho (33), MCK (33), renewed Brown (32) for TWO years ! etc etc etc, and Bullemor is still without an extension.

This, my friend, is why I have the ****s (as one example) with our skewed and unbalanced recruitment and retention team (who the club are providing bloody promotions to), when they should be getting sacked.

Has it occurred to you Ethan may not want to sign just yet?
If his star is indeed on the rise (and you might be right about that although until he tries to make an impact in defence I'm not 100% sold on him being more than a bench impact player) he may be backing himself to excel and hence win a better deal.
Or maybe he's had enough of Sydney?
With so much unknown about Bull's situation I can't put any blame on Manly's retention people.

 

[Rocky]

Wasn’t there suggestion that he might pursue his career away from football? I thought I read somewhere a job awaits him paying him much more than what footy can (but not 100% about the facts or the source).

This could well be the reason he still hasn’t signed anywhere and could be playing out his contract until he moves into the corporate world. Shame if so as he is close to an Origin call up.

I also could be way off the mark and his manager is working tirelessly day and night at securing him a life long deal with manly that would keep him here until 2032. This would include a clause in his contract that pays him a bonus every time someone on silvertails mentions “leg speed” in his threat.

He works at Regal Asset Management.

A very successful fund manager - and one where he could get paid more than he would in the NRL down the track.

 

[Sheikheagle]

Agree that I'd like to see him extended sooner rather than later.

Disagree that he our second best forward.

Can I ask your reasoning as to why you think he "easily" is?

Agree, great impact off the bench but not a great defender. Could never see him play long minutes on a regular basis.

 

[manly al]

Might be interesting to know what he is currently on , tend to think that it would be more on the modest side and taking into account the not inconsiderable improvement he did produce last season .
So no doubt would expect and be entitled to a reasonable upgrade .
Certainly has started to offer some genuine impact and more consistency for most of 24 , still more suited coming off the bench , Defence has picked up a bit more pleasingly as well .
Maybe just keeping his options open to whatever extent , would tend to think that he would prefer to continue playing at the top level for a bit longer yet and some continuity at Manly but of course can expect a bit more coin .
Sure that the club would be prepared to offer him a decent or appropriate upgrade and just like the Talau situation , probably will be settled one way or the other in due course

 

[Disco]

I think Bullemor needs to prove he can consistently stay in first grade this season, many people on here with rose-tinted glasses on Bullemor from last season, but there was a period when Waddell genuinely offered more off the bench than Bullemor. Bullemor was dropped, and returned from NSW cup a better player. He avoids that this coming year, he probably gets extended. I rate Seibs as a coach, and I think on a standards perspective, he probably considers extending Sipley and Bullemor within the same bucket, where they need to prove consistency to stay.

Bully played 23 games in 24. Only Jake and Lawton played more with 24.

I'd consider him pretty locked in to our 17 as an impact bench player.

 

[maxta]

The front rower, I assume you mean, is Simione Laiafi? Big unit made Australian Schoolboys last year, played some Flegg for us, really exciting prospect. He is on a dev contract and still SG Ball eligible.
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That's 100% the kid with a big future......thing is as we all learn over time, the ability is a gift and a Massive bonus, but unless there's great discipline and hard work off the field....there are no guarantee's, but the wraps on him are pretty good relating to attitude so hopes are high !!

 

[Ryan]

Fair enough.

Definitely a player on the up and and important re-signing. Certainly agree he needs more minutes but I think he provides the best impact off the bench.

I'd have him as our 4th best forward personally.

I'm guessing - Paseka, Olakau'atu, Jake before him?

 

[Ryan]

Has it occurred to you Ethan may not want to sign just yet?
If his star is indeed on the rise (and you might be right about that although until he tries to make an impact in defence I'm not 100% sold on him being more than a bench impact player) he may be backing himself to excel and hence win a better deal.
Or maybe he's had enough of Sydney?
With so much unknown about Bull's situation I can't put any blame on Manly's retention people.

Absolutely not. I believe we may lose him to the Cowboys, hence my attention to the matter now.

 

[Disco]

I'm guessing - Paseka, Olakau'atu, Jake before him?

In my view, yes.

 

[Brookie Bob]

NRL 2025: Manly Sea Eagles predicted team list, latest squad news for Round 1 | Sporting News Australia

Anthony Seibold led the Manly Sea Eagles into the finals in 2024, but can he now turn them into a premiership threat?

www.sportingnews.com

 

[Phobia]

NRL 2025: Manly Sea Eagles predicted team list, latest squad news for Round 1 | Sporting News Australia

Anthony Seibold led the Manly Sea Eagles into the finals in 2024, but can he now turn them into a premiership threat?

www.sportingnews.com

What's with these articles and shoving Bullemor under the carpet... He was one of our best at the backend of the year. There's no way Taukeiaho forces him out of the team based upon Bullemor's recent form.