Is 2017 squad Better than 2016?

[bob dylan]

I think our playing roster is average but building into something.

But for mine its not up to Tom and Jake, they have nothing to prove. I just want them to continue their development.

The buck stops with DCE and Myles. Big names on big money. If they play their best we can make some noise in this comp. They play in key positions . If they dont perform they should be put on notice.

Guys like Darcy, Marty T and Green will take a lot off pressure off them and will lead us if necessary, but they are not the big money earners.

My prediction is Marty T will be a Manly great and club favourite by the end of his career.

 

[Bearfax]

We have the basis of a quality team. The Trbojevics, DCE, Taupau are a good foundation. If we can get the best out of Api, Parcell, AFB, Green, Lussick, Lawrence and Walker, we're well on the way. There's potential on the wings with Taufua, Omar, Uate, maybe Locke if he's contracted and in the centre with Kelly, Parker. Add Lane, Hopoate, etc and it could lift us several places if injuries are minimal and they play to their potential. 5th to 10th for '17

 

[pjayz]

The problem with DCE is that you can't really put him on notice - he has a lifetime contract.

When you put people on notice it's generally because they aren't putting in; this has never been DCE's problem. I really believe now that he has had his injury fixed and he will have a solid genuine 5/8 next to him, we will see the best from DCE in 2017. By about round 8 (provided he isn't injured), I think DCE will be in top form. Especially if our forwards are performing.

 

[NewwyEagle]

Expectations are much lower this season so any semblance of quality and we'll think it's a pass mark. Personally, I think we'll be about the same, hopefully with 2-3 more home wins but I'm not expecting top 8. I also agree that having a real 5/8 will help but it's only Blake Green so let's not expect him to be a real game changer.
All in all, I think we'll have a bit of a better season, but Trent Barrett is still a poor coach and I don't think my mind will be changed by the end of the season. I'm actually very concerned that if we do win 1-2 more games he won't be fired. Horrific thoughts.
Of course, I'd be so happy to eat my words and watch the team storm into the 8. If they do the season is definitely a pass and Barrett should get a 3rd season in charge.

 

[Goanna Pete]

Better or worse, who cares..I'm Manly threw and threw...get to the games and support Trent and the boys! From me here in PNG!! Manly 4 life brothers!!

 

[IQofalimabean]

Absolutely with green at 5/8 walker moves to center and gives us another kicking/attacking option so less pressure on the halfback. Also, we brought in aku uate and kevin locke who both know how to find the tryline and hopefully add some speed outwide.

 

[Dankseagles]

I'm happy with our 2017 squad. And to be honest we are due for a few players to have break out seasons in our squad. If AFB keeps going well, Sironen and Lane are consistent but not super flash, Kelly finds the line, no major season ending injuries etc, Uate finds first grade form, Meehan OR Perrett go well and DCE and Green can combine reasonably well then the future is looking good. It may sound very optimistic but I think after two miserable years we are on the up. I really do expect a few Manly players to have break out seasons next year.

 

[bob dylan]

The problem with DCE is that you can't really put him on notice - he has a lifetime contract.

Yeah I realise contracts cant be broken. Hiku, Buhrer, Ballin, Symonds and Toovey told me that.

 

[Woodsie]

Yeah I realise contracts cant be broken. Hiku, Buhrer, Ballin, Symonds and Toovey told me that.

Contracts can't be broken without both parties agreeing. All those players could have chosen to stay and be paid. They chose to leave because under the circumstances it was in their best interests to do so.

If one of the parties wish to enforce their contract they can.

In Toovey's case it was a matter of the club "paying him out" for the balance of his contract. The contract wasn't broken.

 

[globaleagle]

The problem with DCE is that you can't really put him on notice - he has a lifetime contract.

Well....you can, but it's one hell of a threat!!

 

[Deleted member 26876]

Gh

Expectations are much lower this season so any semblance of quality and we'll think it's a pass mark. Personally, I think we'll be about the same, hopefully with 2-3 more home wins but I'm not expecting top 8. I also agree that having a real 5/8 will help but it's only Blake Green so let's not expect him to be a real game changer.
All in all, I think we'll have a bit of a better season, but Trent Barrett is still a poor coach and I don't think my mind will be changed by the end of the season. I'm actually very concerned that if we do win 1-2 more games he won't be fired. Horrific thoughts.
Of course, I'd be so happy to eat my words and watch the team storm into the 8. If they do the season is definitely a pass and Barrett should get a 3rd season in charge.

DCE is the game changer, Green is the man that will take the pressure off DCE so he can be that. But it is interesting to see if Barrett will survive although I think in order for that to happen Brookvale must move towards being a fortress again.

 

[pjayz]

I agree. I was just making the point that if he continues to underperform, there is next to nothing we can do about it.

Yeah that's true

 

[Ben]

Our 2017 squad will be stronger IMO. From round one we will have:

- No one injured! (touch wood)
- Walker in the centres with good service.
- A real 5/8 in Green controlling the game adding much needed composure.
- DCE without the weight of the world on his shoulders so he can play his expansive game.
- A fully fit fullback in Tom.
- A backline with real speed, strength and flare with the additions of Uate and Kelly.
- A forward pack with added size with Meehan, Lane and Perrett.
- A genuine ball playing back rower in Sironen.
- One of the best draws I've seen in a long time.

Yes we do lose Lyon as our leader but we didn't have to wait long to find our new one with Jake ready to take the C. All in all I'm excited to see how 2017 pans out as every signing we have made has been a positive one for the club addressing the issues needed.

 

[MadMarcus]

We may do better if we have no injuries, but if we are comparing full strength squads 2016 is way better.

 

[Bearfax]

The big minus for me was the loss of Buhrer. But Manly have bought frugally and well and ridded itself of much of the chaff of last season. I like Green (the 5/8 one), Kelly and Sironen. Uate and Locke may be inspired signings. I'll be interested in how Omar, Lane, Cullen go and the Blacktown connection has offered Manly a much stronger second level group. And rising stars Bainbridge, Parker and Jamil Hoppa suggest overall to me that we have a stronger side than '16 and a developing foundation that may get us back in the Four in '18 or '19 with a few big signings before the '18 season

 

[Fluffy]

On paper we are weaker overall except for the 5/8 position (with Walker there on paper at the start of 16).

However last year with injuries et al we looked a decent chance of scraping into the top 8 once Lyon moved to 5/8. So 2017 alone looks better to me for this reason alone.

 

[Dinga]

Apparently Matt Parcel has been signed by Leeds Rhinos for 2017.What the hell are we doing he was one player when not injured excited me last year.. IM lost for words if true !!

 

[Ben]

The club must like the look of Joey Lussick more than Parcell. Api still a utility for mine

 

[Deleted member 26876]

Apparently Matt Parcel has been signed by Leeds Rhinos for 2017.What the hell are we doing he was one player when not injured excited me last year.. IM lost for words if true !!

Rumour I believe so don't need to worry just yet