I think we will find there will be a lot of surprises by mid-season. Injuries of course are going to be an issue, as they are for every team and hopefully one of them is not Turbo.
The two guys I predict to be a real surprise are Arthur and Humphries. I think Burbo may have a real challenge from Arthur for a bench spot, as Arthur potentially adds cover across the backs, and if rumours about his increase in strength and bulk are true, potentially the back row.
If Jake starts at 13, and then with prop rotation, moves to the front row, that allows Nathan Brown, Burbo or Arthur to be in 13:
Nathan Brown - Grunt
Burbo - speed and his long-term relationship with Schuster
Arthur - Ball playing and kicking
All three are good in defence, it just comes down to what Seibs wants in the playing structure and he may change it game to game, and then we also have Waddel, so where does he fit?
So, what are Manly missing and how will they line up against the best?
Front Row: Apart from Froggy not being in the top 10 hookers, I think our rotation is potentially right up there with the best teams. I think Froggy is underrated, however, GCKT and Humphries will be putting pressure on. Paseka could play Origin this year, as realistically, his body shape and size is not much different to Haas, he just has to play like it. The rest of the front row are potentially up there with the best of other teams, and may surprise. Bullemor is a player I just think we have to have, as his speed off the mark is fabulous and he's constantly putting the other team on the back foot. I think 2024 will be a huge year for Bullemor, and watch him running off Brooks.
Backrow: If Schuster plays to his potential, this could just be a real 'wow moment'. Haumole is only going to get better in 2024 and I think he will play Origin in 2024. When do you replace and who do you replace will be Seib's issue. Where does Jake start, or where does he finish? Does Arthur jump in for more creativity or Nathan Ryan for more grunt in the middle? Who knows, however, it's a nice problem to have.
As for the backs, I think we have it covered, particularly, with speed, and now height in the jump.
So, ultimately, do we compare with the Panthers, who are the benchmark? Hmmm.. maybe not on paper, however funnier things have happened. The Rabbits and Roosters are full of talent, as are the Broncos and I don't dismiss the Warriors with RTS back.
2024 is going to be very entertaining and as of this moment I intend watching every home game at the ground.
Unfortunately, I will not be on the hill, as I have done since 1976 and I have loved it, however, now, too many 'kids. adolescents', either drugged up or drunk, decide to throw alcohol of whatever they have over everyone else, and they think it's funny. It's not! It completely ruins the entire experience for everyone else.
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