Can someone post the Danny Levi article from DT.
Subject: Spotlight on Manly: Why NRL rivals fear Des Hasler’s Sea Eagles
Des Hasler worked his magic to get help the Sea Eagles soar up the ladder in 2019, now can one of his former favourites help spark them to the next level?
Dean Ritchie, The Daily Telegraph
Subscriber only
|
March 2, 2020 3:05pm
Close
The swagger is back on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Manly privately believe they can win this year’s premiership – the optimism is rising and real at Brookvale.
A big, aggressive pack, smart halves and Tommy Turbo at the back has Sea Eagles players thinking big.
Manly forwards Jake Trbojevic, Addin Fonau-Blake, Marty Taupau, Joel Thompson and Curtis Sironen are looking fit and toned. They have size, aggression and mobility.
One rival coach said: “I’d never say it publicly but I reckon Manly has the best and most balanced pack in the NRL. They have the pack to win a premiership.
“You always buy enough forwards to win a title — and then you go out and buy more.”
Watch the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO. Every game of every round LIVE & Ad-Break Free during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
There could be plenty for the Sea Eagles to smile about in 2020. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
There could be plenty for the Sea Eagles to smile about in 2020. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
Always committed, Trbojevic is working day and night to be fit after off-season shoulder reconstruction. Don’t be surprised if he produces a recovery shock by playing round one.
The Sydney Roosters are the benchmark for rugby league’s finest pack but Manly know their forwards can match any opposition.
FROM OUR PARTNERS
https://www.news.com.au/wp-content/.../assets/dist/img/common/icons/offnet-icon.svg
Basketball is back on Foxtel with the NBA and NBL Foxtel Now 10 day free trial*
Halfback and skipper Daly Cherry-Evans is looking buffed and ripped following a stunning off-season transformation. Has DCE ever looked fitter? His combination with five-eighth Dylan Walker could make or break the club’s season.
Tom Trbojevic has passed all fitness and medical checks on his injured hamstring and is certain to start round one.
Some clubs talk about top eight, others top four. They may not admit it publicly, but Manly are aiming for the very top.
Daly Cherry-Evans is ready for a big year with Manly/ Picture: Getty Images
Daly Cherry-Evans is ready for a big year with Manly/ Picture: Getty Images
THE ROSTER
Who’s in: Danny Levi (Knights), Luke Metcalf (upgraded from development contract), Brayden Musgrove (Knights)
Who’s out: Kane Elgey, Trent Hodkinson (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Lloyd Perrett (unsigned)
Much will depend on new hooker Danny Levi. With Manase Fainu unavailable, Manly coach Des Hasler swooped on Levi, who has impressed teammates at training with his vigour and enthusiasm.
Manly players say Levi is clever and cheeky. Most at Brookvale cannot believe Levi was allowed to walk out at Newcastle. He is smart, fast and gives Manly a wonderful spine along with Walker, Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic.
Off-contract 2020: Cade Cust, Brendan Elliot, Albert Hopoate, Semisi Kioa, Luke Metcalf, Sam Smith, Moses Suli, Corey Waddell, Tony Williams, Danny Levi, Luke Metcalf
Re-signing priorities: With the Trbojevic brothers, Martin Taupau and Joel Thompson nailed down, Manly will now focus on re-signing gun centre Moses Suli. Suli has overcome a troubled past to star and will be re-signed, no doubt, given he’s only 23. Manly have a fair opinion of young gun Metcalf, Hasler certain to lock him down long term. Many at Brookvale also rate young Hopoate highly, despite revelations he wants to undertake a Mormon mission.
Danny Levi is an astute buy for Manly. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
Danny Levi is an astute buy for Manly. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
BURNING QUESTIONS:
Can Manly overcome a horror injury toll to start the season?
The Sea Eagles may be without star forwards Jake Trbojevic, Addin Fonua-Blake and Taniela Paseka for the opening two to four rounds.
In that period, Manly play heavyweights the Roosters, Melbourne and Canberra. A potentially 1-3 or 0-4 start with a depleted pack could severely dent Manly’s season.
Manly have several rising stars who would be considered as replacements including Toafofoa Sipley and Sean Keppie, kids who have come through the Manly system.
Keppie came through into the NRL late last year, giving Manly impressive pack depth.
Jake Trbojevic. Picture: Brett CostelloJake Trbojevic. Picture: Brett CostelloAddin Fonua-Blake. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty ImagesAddin Fonua-Blake. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Can T-Rex make an impact?
The big bloke has been forgotten in recent years but, with injuries plaguing Manly, he could surge back into the NRL starting side.
Sea Eagles insiders still think, on his day, Tony Williams can once again be devastating.
Williams has trained well during summer and is a prime candidate to pinch a bench spot for round one against Melbourne. He knows this is his last chance.
Williams, weighing 118kg, would be used in short yet powerful stints.
Tony Williams could give the Sea Eagles an added dimension. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
Tony Williams could give the Sea Eagles an added dimension. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
It’s a big year for
Tom Trbojevic
Turbo sustained a season-ending pectoral injury in early September last year, forcing Manly to contest the finals without their superstar fullback.
Trbojevic has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons and will be desperately craving an injury-free season where he can establish himself as one of the all-time great Manly fullbacks.
Trbojevic has the potential to retire alongside Graham Eadie and Brett Stewart among Manly’s greatest fullbacks.
Injuries have slowed Tom Trbojevic’s rise in recent seasons. Picture. Phil Hillyard
Injuries have slowed Tom Trbojevic’s rise in recent seasons. Picture. Phil Hillyard
The best player you’ve never heard of: A young prop called Zac Saddler.
Unknown now, Saddler is ready to make a significant impact. There are even suggestions he is ready to debut in the NRL now.
Saddler came from nowhere to be chosen in Laurie Daley’s Indigenous All Stars side. “He looks a first-rate prospect,” Daley said. “He has all the attributes to be a long-term NRL player.”
Insiders at Manly were highly impressed with his maturity in the All Stars game.
Zac Saddler impressed for the Indigenous All Stars. Picture: Scott Davis/NRL Photos
Zac Saddler impressed for the Indigenous All Stars. Picture: Scott Davis/NRL Photos
Stats that matter:
Des Hasler worked his magic to return the Sea Eagles to a premiership threat but much of their success this season may hinge on the fitness of Tom Trbojevic. Manly won 10 of 11 games he played more than 40 minutes in 2019, but just 5 of 15 when he didn’t.
www.seaeagles.com.au
www.nrl.com
