Friday Wrap with Zorba

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Berkeley_Eagle

Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
A RED-haired, clean-shaven “Wolfman” and a locally produced flyer from North Curl Curl suddenly have assumed great importance in the Manly Sea Eagles’ 2012 premiership defence.

David Williams and Michael Oldfield will be first choice wingers for new coach Geoff Toovey and both will be given the opportunity to lock down spots for the start of the premiership with starts in the World Club Challenge match in Leeds against the Leeds Rhinos next month.

The double exit of two grand finals-winning ace Michael Robertson and young champion Will Hopoate has left the no.2 and 5 spots up for grabs.

Williams has now come good after suffering a major neck injury in round 25 against the Melbourne Storm last August.

A fit and strong Williams would capably fill one spot while Oldfield’s blinding speed has already proved a match-winning asset for the maroon and whites.

Manly’s army of fans are coming to terms to life without Michael Robertson, who has been a rock in the Sea Eagles backline since he joined the club as an unknown from Canberra six seasons ago.

He rarely missed a try-scoring opportunity and was a reliable fill-in for fullback Brett Stewart.

Robbo’s three tries and unselfish unloading to Steve Menzies for a try in the 40-0 grand-final win in 2008 has him engraved in the Sea Eagles’ folklore.

LOSING YOUNG WILL

The loss of Will Hopoate may be even more significant, because the supremely talented teen is so capable of handling wing, centre and fullback with consummate ease.

But Oldfield has now had two seasons to get used to playing in the big league and is an intelligent young player who will learn with every game. Back-up depth for fullback, wing and centre are a now major concern. Brett Stewart, Lyon and Matai are equal to any in their positions anywhere but it is a case of fingers crossed that they stay fit and healthy.

OPPORTUNITIES

WITH giant Tony Williams now established as an international backrower, the likes of Kiwi junior international Dean Whare and former utility back Ben Farrar will get opportunities. Whare scored three tries on NRL debut against the North Queensland Cowboys two seasons ago but has been sidelined by injury.

Farrar has had a season away in the English Super League but is a proven utility player who will be a key member of the 17 most weeks because of his versatility.

DESSIE IN THE FOLD

A PRIVATE function last weekend was a delight to attend for those in the inner sanctum at Manly and it exploded any theories that there is any animosity between former coach Des Hasler and his ex-players and coaching staff.

Dessie and new coach Geoff Toovey were in constant banter and usually accompanied by spontaneous laughter.

The players joked with their former mentor and made light of his switch to the Bulldogs. Hasler said he enjoyed the opportunity to mix with his former workmates.

Media suggestions that Hasler’s golden locks will be coming off for charity before the season kicks off were met with a dry response by the two-time premiership winning coach.

The dance floor was the attraction of the evening and a winner was the non-stop four hour performance by David “Wolfman” Williams.

Williams did every non-dancing male a giant favour by dancing with every female aged between six and 66 at the function. One was so fatigued after a spin with Wolfie that she tripped into a potplant.

LEEDS CONNECTION

LEEDS Rhinos chief executive and owner Gary Hetherington is tipping a capacity crowd of 20,000 to fill Headingley for the World Club Challenge game against the Manly Sea Eagles on February 17.

Hetherington is widely regarded as one of the best sporting administrators in Britain and is in Australia to visit his daughter who lives in Sydney and also to check out the Newcastle Knights and the Brisbane Broncos - two of the privately owned clubs in the NRL.

His operation in Leeds is a dual football ownership - the Leeds City Rugby League and Rugby Union clubs, with hotels and motels on the edge of the very impressive sporting complex.

Hetherington told me last Friday that he expects a blockbuster match for the World Club Challenge.

“Manly will come to play and there is great respect between the clubs,” he said.

Former Manly prop Kylie Leuluai continues to hold down a spot in the Rhinos team. The former Sea Eagle is in his sixth and last season with Leeds and says he owes his former teammates after Manly easily beat Leeds in the 2009 Challenge.
 
Good to hear the Wolfman is moving so well, should be in peak condition for the coming season with the four hour dance marathons. Reckon he should give up the shaving though, want to see his beard flowing over his shoulder as he streaks down the sideline for many tries this year.
 
When did Wolfy's hair turn red? Is he dyeing it like Zorba does?
 

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