2025

[Rocky]

Everytime i see a team sheet with Jake at 13 and Croker at 9 a feel a bit deflated.

Too slow, too one dimensional. And to be clear these two are high up on my favourite players.

But it doesnt work and i would rather it not work with more mobile players (if that makes sense)

Simpkin has to be given a shot at 9 and Jake to the prop rotation. Croker well i don't know what happens here but perhaps a utility role.

Assuming Bateman comes i would roll with something like this

1. Turbo
2. Saab/Hoppa
3. Koula/Hoppa
4. Talau/Hopa
5. Garrick/Hoppa
6. Brooks
7. DCE
13. Bully
12. Bateman
11. Haumole
10. Aloiai
9. Simpkin
8. Jake T

14. Burbo (to cover backline injury)
15. Navale/Jazz T
16. Brown
17. Paseka

Ok i dont pretend to know what the best backline is with 6 fitting in to 5. But my post is about the forwards and the need to be more mobile. Prefer Brown and Paseka off the bench for mid game impact.

 

[CRPSI eagle]

It is what it is feathered friend
and It will become what comes of it in the end

Each coach selects his playing group
Each coach Sets the culture
Each coach Sets the teams playing style
And
Each coach is accountable for his teams results

Bring on 2025
Bring on the Top 4 Manly Sea eagles
Because other than a top 4 spot we wont be the progressive club under Seibold
We do not wan to be going back wards
We want to go forward and soar into a Grand final

At Manly we do not want just to Exist
At Manly We want to Excel and be Great again
We do not just want a career coach
We want a Grand Final Winning coach

Bring on 2025 and the High Pressure expectations of the High Manly Premiership Winning Standards
As Pressure at Manly is a Privilege and it only comes to the Great ones that Earn it and Make Manly Great again

The moral of the story
Lower our Legendary clubs Great Premiership Winning Standards
and We Stand for Nothing Great
View attachment 28505

Agree 1000%

 

[eaglebuzz]

Dumb signing, can’t understand why we brought him back into the club. He’s not a first grader.

He's not a starting 17 player but he's ok for fringe depth. If cheap he's good to have.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Dumb signing, can’t understand why we brought him back into the club. He’s not a first grader.

It does intrigue me when people say that about a guy with over 100 first grade games.
Actually I distinctly recall the same thing being said about Luke Williamson, who ended up with over 200 first grade games!

 

[joshcooper123]

Everytime i see a team sheet with Jake at 13 and Croker at 9 a feel a bit deflated.

Too slow, too one dimensional. And to be clear these two are high up on my favourite players.

But it doesnt work and i would rather it not work with more mobile players (if that makes sense)

Simpkin has to be given a shot at 9 and Jake to the prop rotation. Croker well i don't know what happens here but perhaps a utility role.

Assuming Bateman comes i would roll with something like this

1. Turbo
2. Saab/Hoppa
3. Koula/Hoppa
4. Talau/Hopa
5. Garrick/Hoppa
6. Brooks
7. DCE
13. Bully
12. Bateman
11. Haumole
10. Aloiai
9. Simpkin
8. Jake T

14. Burbo (to cover backline injury)
15. Navale/Jazz T
16. Brown
17. Paseka

Ok i dont pretend to know what the best backline is with 6 fitting in to 5. But my post is about the forwards and the need to be more mobile. Prefer Brown and Paseka off the bench for mid game impact.

I think it's important to understand what Manly's style of footy is and how Seibs is as a coach. I was asking the same questions about moving Jake to front row last year for less minutes where I actually saw Seibs at a pub in Manly and asked him and he said Jake will be playing 80 through the middle and he briefly explained his plan. Currently the plan for Manly is having a very solid middle with the likes of Croker and Jake at hooker and lock who may not be agile and have speed at all but lay down the backbone and maintain stability. Then we more than make up for that out on the edges with the fastest back 5 in the comp and our constant threat to spread the ball in our own half which is different to all other teams.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Tevaga starting in the number 9 jumper for Samoa and Gordie on the pine.

Bateman on the right edge for the POMS..

 

[Pete W]

I think it's important to understand what Manly's style of footy is and how Seibs is as a coach. I was asking the same questions about moving Jake to front row last year for less minutes where I actually saw Seibs at a pub in Manly and asked him and he said Jake will be playing 80 through the middle and he briefly explained his plan. Currently the plan for Manly is having a very solid middle with the likes of Croker and Jake at hooker and lock who may not be agile and have speed at all but lay down the backbone and maintain stability. Then we more than make up for that out on the edges with the fastest back 5 in the comp and our constant threat to spread the ball in our own half which is different to all other teams.

Well if Seibold really believed those words, and that is to officially be our blueprint moving forward, he is more obtuse than I have started to give him credit for, and our club will be in for another several years of mediocrity.

Everyone knows in rugby league, when playing the good teams, if you can't beat them through the middle, you will find no joy on the edges.

 

[silvereagle]

I think it's important to understand what Manly's style of footy is and how Seibs is as a coach. I was asking the same questions about moving Jake to front row last year for less minutes where I actually saw Seibs at a pub in Manly and asked him and he said Jake will be playing 80 through the middle and he briefly explained his plan. Currently the plan for Manly is having a very solid middle with the likes of Croker and Jake at hooker and lock who may not be agile and have speed at all but lay down the backbone and maintain stability. Then we more than make up for that out on the edges with the fastest back 5 in the comp and our constant threat to spread the ball in our own half which is different to all other teams.

Unfortunately this plan did not work in 24 so lets hope he creates a different plan in 25. Clearly we have some problems within our forwards and a good part of the problem (unfortunately again) revolves around Jake and Croker. Not in defence but it's very obvious in attack. We struggle here in almost every game. With no hooker play or threat whatsoever and one big middle forward down, we play under serious handicap particularly in making the dreaded hard yards out of our 20. These are the same yards that win you premierships.

 

[BOZO]

Everytime i see a team sheet with Jake at 13 and Croker at 9 a feel a bit deflated.
Too slow, too one dimensional. And to be clear these two are high up on my favourite players.

Des and Seibold think the same way having Jake at 13 and Croker as our premier hooker
But I think like you Rocky
Jake is too slow for the dynamic number 13 and he should play prop as he is more suitable and affective there

Crokers time is up as our premier hooker because we are not going to win a premiership with him in our spine .
The Brave and courageous and one Dimensional and Pedestrian Croker is inadequate when compared to Dynamic hookers .

The new game is Dominated by speed
Jake has lost his Rep spot not because of his talent but because of his lack of speed

Where do we find these Dynamic players ?
From the ones at our club that are getting PAID to get their job done
They are ...
The recruiters
The Salary cap managers
and the coach that has players with potential like Simkins and CKT
But he does not think out side the square and we are always stuck with Croker because he always persist with him . Croker is his ace of spades card and his priority

Affective Leadership is all about plans
It is all about strategies
Its all about the Capable people that get PAID to get the Job done RIGHT and get RESULTS
The Benchmark of Getting the Job Done Right Is The 4 in a Row Remarkable Premiership winning Penrith Panthers
Every year They keep losing Key players
But they have not lost the way to Rebuild and Recover and and get the Job Done Right
Their Salary cap people.... Getting the Job done Right
Their recruiters ... Getting the Job done Right
Their coaching Staff ..... Getting the Job Done Right

The moral of the story
Success in not just about what you have
It is about what you do with it
It is about Getting the job Done Right !

 

[Phobia]

Unfortunately this plan did not work in 24 so lets hope he creates a different plan in 25.

??? We made the finals, beat Melbourne, Penrith and the Roosters. What did we achieve in 2023? That's an improvement. We beat Melbourne and Penrith out wide, and nearly did it to Penrith twice, if Garrick could kick a goal.

Arguably the reason we didn't beat the Roosters and Sharks later on, was because we were without Saab, and hence played through the middle with Plodder Lodge, which didn't work against anyone but the Dogs. And we should be going in this direction rather than going out on the edges? That's nuts.

We're not getting out of Jake's contract anytime soon. We're stuck in this direction. Des Hasler saw the writing on the wall too, he was the one who brought in Saab, Koula and Garrick, and he set this direction from 2021 onwards, because he knew it just as well as Seibs.

We can win a comp, but we need to be wise with recruitment and promotion of juniors. It may not be with the current lot, mainly because of Jake's contract, but we have some good replacements in Hoppa, Walsh, Large, Laiafi, Mafoa and Navale coming through.

 

[silvereagle]

??? We made the finals, beat Melbourne, Penrith and the Roosters. What did we achieve in 2023? That's an improvement. We beat Melbourne and Penrith out wide, and nearly did it to Penrith twice, if Garrick could kick a goal.

Arguably the reason we didn't beat the Roosters and Sharks later on, was because we were without Saab, and hence played through the middle with Plodder Lodge, which didn't work against anyone but the Dogs. And we should be going in this direction rather than going out on the edges? That's nuts.

We're not getting out of Jake's contract anytime soon. We're stuck in this direction. Des Hasler saw the writing on the wall too, he was the one who brought in Saab, Koula and Garrick, and he set this direction from 2021 onwards, because he knew it just as well as Seibs.

We can win a comp, but we need to be wise with recruitment and promotion of juniors. It may not be with the current lot, mainly because of Jake's contract, but we have some good replacements in Hoppa, Walsh, Large, Laiafi, Mafoa and Navale coming through.

Sounds like you are happy with our 24 performance and that's fair enough as we all have different standards. And yes I agree a definite improvement on 23 as we made the 2nd week of the finals. However I am far from happy with our overall performance during the year and particularly towards the end of the season. Not sure if you remember but we got owned by the 3 time wooden Spooners then got smashed by the Sharks and the Roosters. In between against the Bulldogs we we had the greatest escape act of the last 25 years. So yes I definitely think we could have done much better in 24.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

we play under serious handicap particularly in making the dreaded hard yards out of our 20. These are the same yards that win you premierships.

Most clubs nowadays rely on outside backs to take most of those carries. Whoever takes it is going to get smashed as soon as they get to the defence, but speedy backs can get a couple of extra metres up before collision.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Not sure if you remember but we got owned by the 3 time wooden Spooners then got smashed by the Sharks and the Roosters. In between against the Bulldogs we we had the greatest escape act of the last 25 years. So yes I definitely think we could have done much better in 24.

Yep, we didn't peak at the pointy end, definitely something that needs to improve. (but don't forget the Wests loss should have 3 x ***, most cheating reffing of the year!)

 

[rmd]

I actually think DCE will retire from representative football for 2025, which will make him available for Manly in all games in 2025.

The big question is how many games will Turbo play? However, we now have Hoppa, who can replace Turbo when Turbo is absent.

I keep on saying that our right side defence is our issue. and if we can address that. we have the capability to be a contender.

If Bateman signs, he will control the right side and keep DCE in check.

i don’t mind the idea of Haumole moving to left side playing off Brooks with Koula outside.

As well as Tommy T did this year. I can’t see us holding on to him, not with Hoppa coming through, however given the Hoppoate mentality, young Hoopa could be at Parra in 2026, and so that will be up to Peter Gentle to negotiate the deal.

Turbo at Centre could definitely work, as while he was somewhat quiet in the game against NZ, have a look again. The guy is a freak with his vision, and he roamed in the second half.

Lord knows what Seibs is thinking.

 

[jbb/james]

So far 2025 is shaping up a lot like 24 for recruits. Its more about the weak links we are letting go that any real star inclusions. Its a plus

We are raising our ceiling a bit but our floor is raising at a slightly faster rate. Not fast enough but hopefully we can become consistently 6th to 12 th rather than randomly 6th to 13 th

Full Turbo disclaimer of course

 

[BOZO]

Sounds like you are happy with our 24 performance and that's fair enough as we all have different standards. And yes I agree a definite improvement on 23

You are spot on there feathered friend
The key words from your pots is ....We all have different standards
Based on the standards that matter is our Legendary clubs High Benchmark Premiership Winning standards
These are not the Substandard results from our 2023 season where we missed the top 8 and finished on 12th position

The moral of story
Lower our Legendary clubs Great Premiership winning standards
and we stand for Nothing Great

 

[double hoops]

I think it's important to understand what Manly's style of footy is and how Seibs is as a coach. I was asking the same questions about moving Jake to front row last year for less minutes where I actually saw Seibs at a pub in Manly and asked him and he said Jake will be playing 80 through the middle and he briefly explained his plan. Currently the plan for Manly is having a very solid middle with the likes of Croker and Jake at hooker and lock who may not be agile and have speed at all but lay down the backbone and maintain stability. Then we more than make up for that out on the edges with the fastest back 5 in the comp and our constant threat to spread the ball in our own half which is different to all other teams.

Keeping the ruck tight in defence was his first priority in 24.
But this team has progressed since then too.
Coach has added Simpkins who can defend well at hooker.
Coach has added Tevaga who can defend the ruck and offer more in the 13.
Browny had a great year offering more than Jake in and around the 13.
Add the game has continued to get quicker in 24.
In the finals our slow men Jake and Froggy got caught out.

There is only one way forward. I am sure these two will still be in the team, but either less minutes or different positions.

And our recruitment would suggest that's where the teams headed.

 

[BOZO]

At the moment Seibold is a one hit Manly Wonder

In his first Season he under achieved and missed the top 8 with a top 8 Roster
In his second season he met expectations making the top 8 with a top 8 Roster
We all wait and Wonder what the one hit Manly Wonder will be capable of in 2025
Because the only Wonderful results is to PROGRESS from the 2024 season and consolidate a TOP 4 SPOT ..

The Only Way UP in 2025 is with PROGRESS and not with REGRESS
We Do not want to REGRESS in 2025
The PRESSURE is on to PERFORM and PROGRESS
And PRESURE at MANLY Is a PRIVILLAGE and it only comes to those that EARN it

The Moral of the story
NO Pressure . No Premiership Winning Rings

 

[BOZO]

There is no Professional job without Pressure
There should not be a job without Pressure in the Penn Organisation either
LETS GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT !

 

[Rocky]

I think it's important to understand what Manly's style of footy is and how Seibs is as a coach. I was asking the same questions about moving Jake to front row last year for less minutes where I actually saw Seibs at a pub in Manly and asked him and he said Jake will be playing 80 through the middle and he briefly explained his plan. Currently the plan for Manly is having a very solid middle with the likes of Croker and Jake at hooker and lock who may not be agile and have speed at all but lay down the backbone and maintain stability. Then we more than make up for that out on the edges with the fastest back 5 in the comp and our constant threat to spread the ball in our own half which is different to all other teams.

Hey Josh yes that was obviously the plan and thanks for confirming it via your chat with Seibold.

Ive defended Croker on here many times but from what last year, the team played better with Simpkin, and that was coming straight from the Tigers and learning things on the go here.

I certainly don't think Simpkin is an above average hooker so that tells me where Croker is at.

We were badly exposed in the ruck by the Sharks and Roosters in the last month and after seeing that we need to make some changes. I concede we may not be better with more mobile options but persisting with Croker and his lack of dummy half creativity and having Jake at 13 will not get us any further than around 5th or 6th again. We need to do something different (or at least try)