666 - Number of the Beast

[maxta]

ok Pearce was a great option and for reasons more than “Newcastle is my dream destination “ he has been pulled that direction.
Now it’s time to get on with life and pick a 5/8 with ability and proud to be part of Manly.
My choice in order
1) Hastings
2) Croker
3) Cullen
4) Metcalfe
Wright is an option, but really a freakish runner of the ball suited to centre, where he will likely trial.
Not huge on any other available halves but maybe the club has a plan up its sleeve?
Time to move forward so who are the best options for 2018 from here?

 

[bringbackbeaver]

Think Hastings deserves a shot. Didn't get a fair go at 6 last year. Can kick goals!

 

[Deleted member 24974]

Has Maloney signed with Penrith yet?

 

[Ryan]

I guess Hastings is the best of a bad bunch. My concern is he steered our Blacktown team to a last placed finish (and I'm bagging Brock Lamb - LOL). A serious first grade quality 5/8, should tear up the NSW Cup, but what I saw was less than inspiring (same goes for Croker - who frankly was awful in the games I've seen him - plain awful)

 

[Eagles4Life]

Hastings last shot at a regular first grade halves spot. If he doesn't step up and take this chance during preseason, he wont be given another one at any club. No pressure Jackson.

 

[Briza]

Assuming his attitude has changed and he works his arse off this off season, then Hastings deserves first crack.
If not then Crocker has played junior reps for NSW and Aus.

 

[Holmsey]

Hopefully lamb otherwise top 8 is a long shot.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

One of them will step up, it’s an incredible opportunity for one of them to crack the big time.

Opportunities like this don’t come around often.

I’m confident, no perhaps hopeful is better , that one will.

 

[Andrew..]

I watched almost every game last year and I think Lamb has the talent to go all the way. The kid never stops trying and unlike a lot of 20-year-olds he lays his body on the line defensively.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I watched almost every game last year and I think Lamb has the talent to go all the way. The kid never stops trying and unlike a lot of 20-year-olds he lays his body on the line defensively.

They won’t let him go mate, no way.

Hodko will be the one on the way out and he’s buggered!

 

[Jigzkiller]

Hodko will be the one on the way out and he’s buggered!

No he won't no 1 wants him you and I are faster than him and as we have seen with Green if players want out they get out and can't see Lamb hanging around.

 

[Mitch]

The thing is that there is very few decent halves on the market for 2019. We may have to focus on on an internal option long term.

 

[tookey]

Hingano from the warriors might be worth a go for a year or two as he wants out of the warriors

 

[Loobs]

According to Dean Ritchie we now have a free 800k. I really do not understand our cap position at all.

 

[maxta]

According to Dean Ritchie we now have a free 800k. I really do not understand our cap position at all.

That's the thing mate - not this $500k some media were claiming....ENOUGH to have made this Pearce deal work with a $100,000 - $200,000 bump up years 2 & 3.... the NRL have really added unrest throughout the deal.
Those calling Creighton at a $500,000 - 600,000 bid have my vote....if he wasn't already snapped up by Roosters of course.....
Anyways - back to our NEW 5/8 for 2018.....who is the mystery man ready to step up into Glory!!

 

[Terry Zarsoff]

As the late Hughie Green might have said (if under the weather), ‘Opportuni Knocks!’

 

[Chip and Chase]

Why is everyone assuming Lamb will be available ? Surely Hodko makes way for Pearce. You forget that the NRL have a vested interest in the Knights. Hodko will get a medical retirement next year and will be given some sort of paid role by the NRL as a development officer or community liaison. That's a given. They would be mad to cut Lamb

 

[Blucky]

Gutho ?

 

[Ned]

I guess Hastings is the best of a bad bunch. My concern is he steered our Blacktown team to a last placed finish (and I'm bagging Brock Lamb - LOL). A serious first grade quality 5/8, should tear up the NSW Cup, but what I saw was less than inspiring (same goes for Croker - who frankly was awful in the games I've seen him - plain awful)

That is a concern, but those are the BEST choices we are left with, sad.

 

[double hoops]

I vote Hastings to really Excell. Tom Wright to do well anywhere in our back line but the halves. And let's stay well the hell away from Elgy.