Fainu to start.

[jbb/james]

We will never be a strong squad until api is our bench rotation.

 

[cava2323]

Post first, then smoke the bong.

Don’t have bongs in Scando. From memory Api got man of the match when slotted in 6 last time

 

[Top End Eagle]

Put it this way. We have looked like an un organised rudderless ship for at least 2 of the last 3 years, with only Green ever providing another kicking option in 2017,and Api playing in the 9.Red zone attack woeful and never long range attacking moves.

What have we got to lose. 13th and 15th is the result folks when we have had Api at 9 who can’t kick and no dominant 5/8.That is the cold hard fact.

Well guess what. We still don’t have a confident 5/8 option and I for one don’t want to go through another year pretending a guy with great heart and some individual brilliance now and then is ever going to run this team around the park while a guy who has all the skills we are lacking warms the bench.

It’s easy to say Fainu played at an easier time tonight and our forwards were being belted in the first half. I look at it differently - one of the prime reasons our forwards get belted in many games is they don’t receive the accurate passes at the advantage line and direction to allow them not to get belted. Everything looks so so predictable and happens at a snails pace.

As soon as the kid stepped on the field DCE had time to play and he kllled them.We made more long range breaks tonight than we have for the last three years combined.The reason is simple. Fainu goes the right way at the right time with crisp passes and that gives DCE the chance to get to the edges.The forwards feed off this , see the results and start playing the ball quicker. It’s a new movie, a fast and exciting one.The kid got a chance last year for a few games and learnt a lot. He’s ready to go the next level.Brayden Bailey was pushing the Sharks around the field straight out of 20s and this kid has more talent in one finger than him. If they are good enough they are old enough.

13th and 15th folks doing it the old way with the current Aus halfback at seven and no 2 rated fullback in the game at the back, no five eight and Api at hooker.We need to stop confusing tough tackling and effort with the ability to do the job at hand.

If we keep Api at nine and Parker and Tafua on the left edge get ready for an almighty tussle with the Dogs for the spoon.

It does not work and we need to stop pretending it does.

I rated this a winner but I wanted to thank you. We all love api and every team needs someone like him. But to say that fainu wouldn’tbhandle the start is silly. Our forwards get predictable service behind the advantage line from api which means they go nowhere. Apart from when Green was the other attacking point DCE gets smashed.

Last week fainu only got a few minutes. The difference between Manly and the Tigers was where Farrer controlled the ruck

 

[HoldenV8]

Don’t have bongs in Scando. From memory Api got man of the match when slotted in 6 last time

I think the Nein commentators were having a few tokes that night as well. Api was nowhere near MoM, but on the back of that we get people thinking that he'd be a great half. Bulldust, absolute bulldust.

As a half, Api has almost zero creativity, runs around like a chook with its head cut off, has virtually no kicking game and when he runs to the line he doesn't pass. Sure his running was elusive when he played 3 games in the halves, but he doesn't pass to supports or run through gaps. That night against Souffs he butchered about 3 tries simply because he decided to go for the line himself rather than pass to someone who likely would have scored (remember last week when Elliot didn't pass to Parker? Same thing.....).

Api is a very good defensive hooker with a lot of heart. But TBH, there isn't much more to his game.

In the 5 games we played with Api at halfback (all in 2016), we were 1-4. The only win was against the Warriors at Mt Smart on a night when Steve Matai (especially), Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart and Tom Trbojevic took control of the game. Api was very quiet that night.

 

[Waz13]

I think it would be good to see API come on with energy around the ruck when the opposition pack is tiring. Start Fainu and API to the bench. It’s a sale.

 

[cava2323]

I think the Nein commentators were having a few tokes that night as well. Api was nowhere near MoM, but on the back of that we get people thinking that he'd be a great half. Bulldust, absolute bulldust.

As a half, Api has almost zero creativity, runs around like a chook with its head cut off, has virtually no kicking game and when he runs to the line he doesn't pass. Sure his running was elusive when he played 3 games in the halves, but he doesn't pass to supports or run through gaps. That night against Souffs he butchered about 3 tries simply because he decided to go for the line himself rather than pass to someone who likely would have scored (remember last week when Elliot didn't pass to Parker? Same thing.....).

Api is a very good defensive hooker with a lot of heart. But TBH, there isn't much more to his game.

In the 5 games we played with Api at halfback (all in 2016), we were 1-4. The only win was against the Warriors at Mt Smart on a night when Steve Matai (especially), Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart and Tom Trbojevic took control of the game. Api was very quiet that night.

Good analysis. But could we go any worse ? Elgey mowsell not be there. 2.0 of the fella last year.

Would miss the 50 odd tackles API provides in the middle.

 

[Sue]

Good analysis. But could we go any worse ? Elgey mowsell not be there. 2.0 of the fella last year.

Would miss the 50 odd tackles API provides in the middle.

And not score a point while he does them. Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure In all the minutes of football in two games with Api on the field we haven’t scored a point. Fainu was at 9 for all the 22 points we have scored. Coincidence .. I don’t think so.

 

[Fluffy]

Don’t have bongs in Scando. From memory Api got man of the match when slotted in 6 last time

first game then played poorly in the 2nd and 3rd he was in the 6 once coaches came up with a plan.

 

[Fluffy]

I rated this a winner but I wanted to thank you. We all love api and every team needs someone like him. But to say that fainu wouldn’tbhandle the start is silly. Our forwards get predictable service behind the advantage line from api which means they go nowhere. Apart from when Green was the other attacking point DCE gets smashed.

Last week fainu only got a few minutes. The difference between Manly and the Tigers was where Farrer controlled the ruck

Last week was Hodko, Fainu was suspended

 

[Fluffy]

And not score a point while he does them. Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure In all the minutes of football in two games with Api on the field we haven’t scored a point. Fainu was at 9 for all the 22 points we have scored. Coincidence .. I don’t think so.

Api was on when we scored in the last few minutes against the tigpies

 

[Sue]

Ok I’m wrong. Lol thanks Fluffy That’s the difference between watching a game with 10 schooners under your belt or being in the grandstand.

But point still stands. Fainu wasn’t playing, we hardly had a tackle in the tigers quarter and couldn’t get over the advantage line or have time to kick- and the first try was in 80th minute last week. I couldn’t believe the room we had out wide in the second half when Fainu was getting out of dummy half.
When the roosters had to make a decision with DCE and a 110 kilo Suli running at them they looked pretty damn clueless defending on the left.DCE is an absolute star if he gets early ball. Rarely happened in last few years unfortunately.
Garrick is a natural footballer. His timing is great and is quick. Pretty to watch.

 

[Top End Eagle]

Last week was Hodko, Fainu was suspended

True.

 

[XV-1]

How good is the kid. Sharp runner and great passing.

Correct,but he is a turnstile in defence. He needs to work on that before he can consistently play first grade

 

[Fluffy]

Ok I’m wrong. Lol thanks Fluffy That’s the difference between watching a game with 10 schooners under your belt or being in the grandstand.

But point still stands. Fainu wasn’t playing, we hardly had a tackle in the tigers quarter and couldn’t get over the advantage line or have time to kick- and the first try was in 80th minute last week. I couldn’t believe the room we had out wide in the second half when Fainu was getting out of dummy half.
When the roosters had to make a decision with DCE and a 110 kilo Suli running at them they looked pretty damn clueless defending on the left.DCE is an absolute star if he gets early ball. Rarely happened in last few years unfortunately.
Garrick is a natural footballer. His timing is great and is quick. Pretty to watch.

4 pines is the new sponsor to why not do both

 

[Disco]

This kid makes a real difference

 

[manlyfan76]

https://www.seaeagles.com.au/news/2019/05/06/fainu-facing-international-eligibility-decision/
Manly hooker Manase Fainu is set to end a three-way battle over his representative eligibility by deciding between Tonga, New Zealand and Australia over the next month.

Born in Sydney, Fainu's rapid rise through the NRL ranks has landed him at the forefront of discussions for both Tonga and the Kiwis.

Another spanner was thrown into the works when the 20-year-old met with NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and declared an interest in playing State of Origin for the Blues.

Fainu spent time with the Tongan squad ahead of the Pacific Test in June last season after representing the Junior Kiwis in 2017 on account of his mother's heritage.

He was selected for a Junior Kiwis' squad in 2018 but did not play.

The international tug of war is likely to come to a head before New Zealand host Tonga in Auckland on June 22.

"I'm available for either Tonga or New Zealand but I'm unsure what I'm doing, even NSW if they want me," Fainu told NRL.com.

Match Highlights: Sea Eagles v Bulldogs

"It's something I need to think about and make a decision soon. No one has approached me from either country, I haven't got a call or anything like that but I'll talk to my family and we'll see.

"My dad is Tongan and both my parents are supportive of my decision."

Making the case more intriguing for the Guildford junior is the influence of Tongan international Addin Fonua-Blake and Kiwi prop Martin Taupau on him at the Sea Eagles.






Sea Eagles v Broncos - Magic Round

Fainu admitted Fonua-Blake had been in his ear about committing to the Tongan side but that the Junior Kiwis experience had left him torn on his next decision.

"Addin just said to me to follow my heart and do what's best for me, he said only I can decide where I want to play," Fainu said.

"Junior Kiwis was great and I learnt a lot about my mother's heritage and representing that side of my family."

Fainu has earned high praise since bursting onto the scene as a teenager at the Sea Eagles under former coach Trent Barrett last season.

The Guildford product has scored three tries in seven appearances in 2019 and continues to put pressure on regular No.9 Api Koroisau at the Sea Eagles.

His service at dummy half is even more impressive given he spent his junior days as a playmaker alongside rookie Cade Cust.

"I had a couple of bad games in the 20s in a row and got benched, our coach thought he would use me at hooker and I haven't looked back," Fainu said.

"I was nervous playing under Des this season. He comes across as very intimidating to everyone but he's the opposite to us as players and a very good coach. Api there too he's helped me transition at hooker a lot."

 

[Ranga]

Honestly, if anything happened to cook between now and origin and Fainu impresses starting this weekend, he could be a bolter for NSW (if he choses NSW). McInnes would be ahead of him but I’d have Fainu third in line - he has jumped ahead of Api imho.

 

[Harvies elbow]

https://www.seaeagles.com.au/news/2019/05/06/fainu-facing-international-eligibility-decision/
Manly hooker Manase Fainu is set to end a three-way battle over his representative eligibility by deciding between Tonga, New Zealand and Australia over the next month.

Born in Sydney, Fainu's rapid rise through the NRL ranks has landed him at the forefront of discussions for both Tonga and the Kiwis.

Another spanner was thrown into the works when the 20-year-old met with NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and declared an interest in playing State of Origin for the Blues.

Fainu spent time with the Tongan squad ahead of the Pacific Test in June last season after representing the Junior Kiwis in 2017 on account of his mother's heritage.

He was selected for a Junior Kiwis' squad in 2018 but did not play.

The international tug of war is likely to come to a head before New Zealand host Tonga in Auckland on June 22.

"I'm available for either Tonga or New Zealand but I'm unsure what I'm doing, even NSW if they want me," Fainu told NRL.com.

Match Highlights: Sea Eagles v Bulldogs

"It's something I need to think about and make a decision soon. No one has approached me from either country, I haven't got a call or anything like that but I'll talk to my family and we'll see.

"My dad is Tongan and both my parents are supportive of my decision."

Making the case more intriguing for the Guildford junior is the influence of Tongan international Addin Fonua-Blake and Kiwi prop Martin Taupau on him at the Sea Eagles.






Sea Eagles v Broncos - Magic Round

Fainu admitted Fonua-Blake had been in his ear about committing to the Tongan side but that the Junior Kiwis experience had left him torn on his next decision.

"Addin just said to me to follow my heart and do what's best for me, he said only I can decide where I want to play," Fainu said.

"Junior Kiwis was great and I learnt a lot about my mother's heritage and representing that side of my family."

Fainu has earned high praise since bursting onto the scene as a teenager at the Sea Eagles under former coach Trent Barrett last season.

The Guildford product has scored three tries in seven appearances in 2019 and continues to put pressure on regular No.9 Api Koroisau at the Sea Eagles.

His service at dummy half is even more impressive given he spent his junior days as a playmaker alongside rookie Cade Cust.

"I had a couple of bad games in the 20s in a row and got benched, our coach thought he would use me at hooker and I haven't looked back," Fainu said.

"I was nervous playing under Des this season. He comes across as very intimidating to everyone but he's the opposite to us as players and a very good coach. Api there too he's helped me transition at hooker a lot."

I just want him to commit long term to Manly.
He can play rep footy for whoever he likes after that...

 

[Mataiforever]

Fainu is already playing like one of the best hookers in the comp, will handle the start easily. Still, would like dockar-clay on the bench this weekend as cover for fainu or api, can play both roles. Maybe leave out Boyle as I haven't been overly impressed, prefer waddell, gosie and tanginoa.

 

[Stuey Davis’s Socks]

How hard was he blowing last weekend after having to play longer than his usual stint?! Needs to work on his fitness to progress to the next level.