Journey Man
Well, the season is over for Manly, with the crushing defeat at the hands of the minor premiers, Parramatta. Although disappointing, we need to look at a few things in perspective.
When Des Hasler took over his reigns back in 2004, he came out and announced that we would be rebuilding, and will be looking at something that resembled consistency. At the back end of this year, this was attained with 6 wins from 8 starts, and gave us all some hope for the 2005 campaign.
When 2005 rolled around, Des Hasler came out & mentioned pre-season that we would make the top 8, but wouldn’t realistically win the competition. I personally questioned that goal. We started the year on fire, which raised the level of expectation, then June 30 rolled around, and for whatever reason, we started to lose concurrently, and there were those of us (including me) that wanted change, wanted something better. Throughout this lean period, Des Hasler remained up beat, and consistently said we would make the top 8. Well, his projected goal was achieved, and he met all the hurdles he boasted he would meet at the beginning of this season.
After the Canberra loss, I decided that I would not question Des Hasler’s career path, but I WOULD question some of his decisions. And that hasn’t changed. The reason for this, is that Des Hasler has not ONCE over promised, and under delivered.
We now have to look forward, and of those of you who had the opportunity to catch Matt Orford & Steven Bell this past weekend, will realise what class, skill & experience we are attaining next year. I consider Matt Orford in the same ilk as Andrew Johns. A match winner.
Our biggest shortfall this year in my opinion, is our lack in ability to break the line out wide, and the inability of our centres to get our wingers quality ball. Another OBVIOUS deficiency is our attack, is the lack of skilful options we currently have. Matt Orford will create that.
Des Hasler has predicted that we will be a top 4 team next year. He hasn’t over promised, and under delivered yet, so I’m going to give him the chance.
When Des Hasler took over his reigns back in 2004, he came out and announced that we would be rebuilding, and will be looking at something that resembled consistency. At the back end of this year, this was attained with 6 wins from 8 starts, and gave us all some hope for the 2005 campaign.
When 2005 rolled around, Des Hasler came out & mentioned pre-season that we would make the top 8, but wouldn’t realistically win the competition. I personally questioned that goal. We started the year on fire, which raised the level of expectation, then June 30 rolled around, and for whatever reason, we started to lose concurrently, and there were those of us (including me) that wanted change, wanted something better. Throughout this lean period, Des Hasler remained up beat, and consistently said we would make the top 8. Well, his projected goal was achieved, and he met all the hurdles he boasted he would meet at the beginning of this season.
After the Canberra loss, I decided that I would not question Des Hasler’s career path, but I WOULD question some of his decisions. And that hasn’t changed. The reason for this, is that Des Hasler has not ONCE over promised, and under delivered.
We now have to look forward, and of those of you who had the opportunity to catch Matt Orford & Steven Bell this past weekend, will realise what class, skill & experience we are attaining next year. I consider Matt Orford in the same ilk as Andrew Johns. A match winner.
Our biggest shortfall this year in my opinion, is our lack in ability to break the line out wide, and the inability of our centres to get our wingers quality ball. Another OBVIOUS deficiency is our attack, is the lack of skilful options we currently have. Matt Orford will create that.
Des Hasler has predicted that we will be a top 4 team next year. He hasn’t over promised, and under delivered yet, so I’m going to give him the chance.
