Juniors Discussion Thread

IMG_4536.webp
 
I must admit I am confused by our junior strategy. I beleive there was a move from recruiting outside the Manly area to focusing on local juniors. As a result our results have certainly dropped away. This seems to have been supported by a few 'name' purchases e.g. Large, Walsh etc. We also have links to Yeppoon HS, NZ. So far this strategy has failed to deliver results. In comparison if you look at the Panthers, Dogs, Raiders, Roosters they seem to be stock building some of the best juniors around. If you look at the last few years U19's SOO teams I dont think Manly have had a player selected.

Like a number of areas at the moment I am not sure if we have a strategy or a plan however in a tough, competitive player market (which gets tougher with Perth and PNG) you need to build talent within otherwise you run the risk of over paying. Thoughts?
 
I must admit I am confused by our junior strategy. I beleive there was a move from recruiting outside the Manly area to focusing on local juniors. As a result our results have certainly dropped away. This seems to have been supported by a few 'name' purchases e.g. Large, Walsh etc. We also have links to Yeppoon HS, NZ. So far this strategy has failed to deliver results. In comparison if you look at the Panthers, Dogs, Raiders, Roosters they seem to be stock building some of the best juniors around. If you look at the last few years U19's SOO teams I dont think Manly have had a player selected.

Like a number of areas at the moment I am not sure if we have a strategy or a plan however in a tough, competitive player market (which gets tougher with Perth and PNG) you need to build talent within otherwise you run the risk of over paying. Thoughts?
When was the strategy changed to this current one? Results don’t just happen overnight
 
I could be wrong however I think when Mestrov came on board. I think it coincided with Scott Fulton leaving.
 
It would be great to hear from our CEO at some stage. An update on the strategy type thing for members, particularly as we are being asked to ante up for another year. Every corporation has an AGM every year to update shareholders on what the company is up to. I appreciate we are private, but I would have thought an annual update to members would be appropriate.
 
I think our Junior squads this year were somewhat younger than other teams, however, Smoking Joe will confirm that, as I may be wrong.

If I am correct about the younger age group, we may expect better performances in 2026.

Onotoni Large was out for most of the season, so that would have impacted on SG Ball performances.and maybe there were other injuries.

I think GCKT may have been let go because we have Zaidas Muagututia and young Ashton Large coming through, so wanting to sign Turpin was bizarre.
 
I think our Junior squads this year were somewhat younger than other teams, however, Smoking Joe will confirm that, as I may be wrong.

If I am correct about the younger age group, we may expect better performances in 2026.

Onotoni Large was out for most of the season, so that would have impacted on SG Ball performances.and maybe there were other injuries.

I think GCKT may have been let go because we have Zaidas Muagututia and young Ashton Large coming through, so wanting to sign Turpin was bizarre.
Rumours of Zaidas possibly being given permission to negotiate with rivals.
 
How big a loss is this?


Manly lose 2025 Jersey Flegg Player of the Year to rivals
The front-rower was also the club’s Under-19s SG Ball Cup captain.

The Manly Sea Eagles have lost yet another of their best juniors to the Canberra Raiders, with their 2025 Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year departing the club.

After recently signing playmaker Callum Dowell (Manly's 2025 Jersey Flegg Cup Players' Player), the Raiders have now also signed front-rower Campbell Munn on a two-year contract until the end of 2027 from the Northern Beaches.

The club's Under-19s SG Ball Cup captain, Munn, had a breakout campaign in 2025, which saw him make his NSW Cup reserve-grade debut and claim the Russ Bull Best and Fairest award - the Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year.

A talented front-row prospect, Munn has been with the Sea Eagles for the past two seasons, having previously played for the Northern Rivers Tigers in the Andrew Johns Cup in 2022.



Manly lose 2025 Jersey Flegg Player of the Year to rivals - NRL News - Zero Tackle Manly lose 2025 Jersey Flegg Player of the Year to rivals
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Staff online

  • Jethro
    Star Trekkin' across the universe

Latest posts

Team P W L PD Pts
24 19 5 148 44
24 17 7 212 40
24 16 8 120 38
24 15 9 172 36
24 15 9 109 36
24 14 10 21 34
24 13 10 107 33
24 13 11 132 32
24 12 12 125 30
24 12 12 21 30
24 10 14 -76 26
24 9 14 -146 25
24 9 15 -135 24
24 9 15 -181 24
24 8 16 -130 22
24 6 18 -199 18
24 6 18 -300 18
Back
Top Bottom