NRL 2024 scouting report: Manly Sea Eagles burning issues, positional changes, debutants
Luke Brooks could finally realise his dream of playing finals football. But more than that, he is key to many of his new Manly teammates’ fortunes in 2024. BRENT READ reveals why.
Brent Read
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3 min read
January 6, 2024 - 5:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
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Manly could emerge as the sleeping giants of the NRL after securing one of the most astute signings in the free agency market.
Luke Brooks’ arrival at Brookvale after a decade at the Wests Tigers shapes as the change the talented halfback needs to finally taste finals football. More than that, the 29-year-old is key to many of his new teammates’ fortunes.
BRENT READ analyses the Sea Eagles’ hopes of turning around two years of disappointment.
2023 RICH 100 REPS: Daly Cherry-Evans (4, $1.2m), Tom Trbojevic (6, $1.15m), Jake Trbojevic (21, $950,000), Josh Schuster (36, $800,000), Haumole Olakau’atu (74, $650,000)
FREE AGENCY WRAP AND RATING
Manly have most of their big names locked in until at least the end of 2025, which means they have a relatively stable squad and not a lot of room to move when it comes to free agency. They may add some fringe players before the start of the season but no big names.
Luke Brooks’ signing creates the most interest. His combination with Daly Cherry-Evans will be vital, and it
moves Josh Schuster onto an edge role, taking over from Kelma Tuilagi.
Tommy Talau and Jaxson Paulo give Anthony Seibold backline options.
RATING: B
Anthony Seibold goes into his second year as Manly coach. Picture: Tim Hunter
COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING: ANTHONY SEIBOLD (2025)
The Sea Eagles missed the finals in Seibold’s first year in charge but there were extenuating circumstances, most notable being the long-term absence of Tom Trbojevic through injury. This is a big year for the former Broncos coach given Manly have a squad that should be in the top eight and potentially pushing for the top four.
SAFETY RATING: B-
SEA EAGLES 2024 SQUAD AND BEST 17
Josh Aloiai, Jake Arthur, Luke Brooks, Ethan Bullemor, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Condon, Lachlan Croker, Zac Fulton, Reuben Garrick, Aitasi James, Tolutau Koula, Karl Lawton, Dean Matterson, Haumole Olakau’atu, Brad Parker, Taniela Paseka, Jaxson Paulo, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Toafofoa Sipley, Tommy Talau, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, Christian Tuipulotu
Ins: Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers), Tommy Talau (Wests Tigers), Jaxson Paulo (Roosters), Aitasi James (Wests Tigers)
Outs: Samuela Fainu (Wests Tigers), Kelma Tuilagi (Eels), Morgan Harper (Eels), Kaeo Weekes (Raiders)
BEST 17
1 Tom Trbojevic
2 Jason Saab
3 Tolutau Koula
4 Reuben Garrick
5 Tommy Talau
6 Luke Brooks
7 Daly Cherry-Evans
8 Toafofoa Sipley
9 Lachlan Croker
10 Taniela Paseka
11 Haumole Olakau’atu
12 Josh Schuster
13 Jake Trbojevic
14 Brad Parker
15 Josh Aloiai
16 Ethan Bullemor
17 Ben Trbojevic
LIKELY DEBUTANTS
Jamie Humphreys, Clayton Faulalo: Humphreys suffered a broken jaw early last season which hindered his development, but he is expected to push for an NRL debut in 2024 after making the move from half to hooker.
Humphreys was named players’ player for the Sea Eagles’ Jersey Flegg side and had little trouble with the rise to NSW Cup.
Faulalo played for Blacktown in the NSW Cup last year and was one of the most potent wingers in the competition, scoring a remarkable 29 tries in only 24 games. If he keeps up that rate, he will get his chance.
Manly Sea Eagles tryscoring machine Clayton Faulalo. Picture: NRL Photos
Tryscoring machine Clayton Faulalo. Picture: NRL Photos
WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP
Luke Brooks: It seems strange to say that Brooks will take the next step given he has now been in the NRL for a decade but the sense is that the move to Manly – and the chance to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves – could remove the shackles from the talented playmaker.
The twin option of DCE and Brooks has the potential to terrorise opposition defences, and with ballplayers like Josh Schuster, the edge threat of Haumole Olakau’atu, and backline speed merchants Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Tolutau Koula and Reuben Garrick at their disposal, Brooks and the Sea Eagles are a dangerous proposition.
New five-eighth Luke Brooks. Picture: Jeremy Piper
BURNINGS ISSUES
1. Can they keep Tom Turbo fit?
It’s pretty simple really.
When Tom Trbojevic is on the field, Manly can beat anyone. He is that good. The key is keeping him there after a succession of injuries in recent seasons that devastated him and decimated Manly.
2. Can Josh Schuster realise his potential?
Schuster is one of the game’s great enigmas. His talent is without question. The only issue is whether he has the dedication to realise his potential. If Anthony Seibold can unlock Schuster, anything is possible.
3. How many dances has Daly got left?
Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans has been one of the club’s greatest players and at the age of 34, he shows few signs of slowing down. He was outstanding again in 2023 but the clock is ticking and he no doubt craves another premiership before his career comes to an end.
Where will Manly finish on the 2024 NRL ladder?
1-4
5-8
9-12
13-17
Cast your vote
CRYSTAL BALL
Manly have the talent and squad to finish in the finals. If they can keep Tom Trbojevic fit and get the best out of Schuster, the top four is within their grasp and they could even compete for the title.
FINISH THE LAST FIVE YEARS
2023: 12th
2022: 11th
2021: 4th (eliminated in preliminary final)
2020: 13th
2019: 6th (eliminated in finals week two)
2024 TAB ODDS
Premiership: $21
Minor premiership: $23
To make grand final:
Top four: $4
Top eight: $1.90
To miss the top eight: $1.80
To miss the top four: $1.20
Most losses: 29
