Pre-Game Knights V Manly [Round 14, 2025]

[mickqld]

The biggest plus for us is that every media critic has just laid into the Broncos and given us no credit at all for playing well. Hopefully that inspires us to go even better. Yes the Broncos weren't great but is that because we didn't let them.We really did play well I thought.

 

[Waz13]

The biggest plus for us is that every media critic has just laid into the Broncos and given us no credit at all for playing well. Hopefully that inspires us to go even better. Yes the Broncos weren't great but is that because we didn't let them.We really did play well I thought.

They were awful, but aside from Walsh and Hunt they were largely full strength. We had plenty out. We deserve a bit more credit for the win. However that’s not the media interest.

 

[manlyfan76]

Newcastle are in all sorts At the moment.
Must win game.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Would be nice to feel confident about another 2 points against the team who cannot score. Unfortunately our bi-polar team constantly throws the seeds of doubt at us. CONSISTENCY MANLY FFS.

I’ve tossed the coin Mick, it came up heads , that’s a Manly win !!

You definitely can’t pick on form.

 

[Chunkytuna]

Figuring we will have Turbo, TKO, Jake and Saab all back on deck. Who misses out? Below is not positionally, just swapping into the 17.

Aloia out for TKO
Waddell out for Jake
Faulalo out for Turbo
Saab stays out for TT (imo)

Also that leaves Croker, Jazz and Simpkin in the 17, which I don’t think we carry all three. I think one of these three drop out and Seibs carry’s Talau on the bench perhaps with Saab on the wing. If Tom is fit, he’ll be back to fb and Lehi to the wing. Not what I’d do, but that’s what will happen.

Got a feeling turbo won’t be back for this game. Leave him have an extended break.

 

[Chunkytuna]

To be honest, since our last premiership dynasty, the only time I have felt we had a consistent football team was when Tom had that ridiculous year in 2021. I remember games back in that 2007-2014 era when you just knew we were either going to win or at least make a hell of a game of it. The closest I have got to that feeling since was when Tom was on fire, and even then it was more about outscoring the other team through individual brilliance. I guess it’s a function of the big 3 salary cap problem and the lack of consistent talent across the park that has plagued us for so long. It would be great to feel that confidence again every week.

I think your point is right though - it would be nice to know they were at least going to put in a tough gritty performance. I reckon that’s an attitude thing rather than the salary cap. Yes, the salary cap probably means you’re not gunna win every game but attitude will ensure you’re at least in each one.

 

[Chunkytuna]

They were awful, but aside from Walsh and Hunt they were largely full strength. We had plenty out. We deserve a bit more credit for the win. However that’s not the media interest.

That’s fine - let’s get back under the radar where we did our best work.

 

[MW66]

The games we have expected to win this ear we have lost. Nothing would surprise me in this game and Knights will be desperate. IF we play like we did against Broncos then we should win. If we play like we did against Parra then we could lose. Who knows but I would like our senior players to stand up and ensure a professional performance. That will go a long way towards a win.

 

[kav]

We played really well against a team who should have been higher on the table than they were...throw in we had players out who are coming back in...playing against the team that can not score a point to save their lives...

Yeah we are going to get flogged this weekend

Such jokes are not appreciated by pessimists like me. Note they have won four games this season, against the Tigers (Rd1), Dolphins (Rd2), Rabbitohs (Rd 9) and the Panthers (Rd12). Pongia is back, Sharpe and Gagai are big threats and they have a strong forward pack. They have home advantage and we have a short turn around. A win should not be taken for granted.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Got a feeling turbo won’t be back for this game. Leave him have an extended break.

You were right , not playing

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

The games we have expected to win this ear we have lost. Nothing would surprise me in this game and Knights will be desperate. IF we play like we did against Broncos then we should win. If we play like we did against Parra then we could lose. Who knows but I would like our senior players to stand up and ensure a professional performance. That will go a long way towards a win.

It’s a coin toss every game , my coin said heads so we win.

You cannot go on form, that’s meaningless

Last weeks losers can easily beat a top 4 team and we are right in the mix with inconsistency.

I hate it , a tipping nightmare

 

[ABTK]

Weather should be fine so that's a plus. I hope that the forwards can make a few more metres per set than they did against the donkeys (the boots of DCE and Brooks helped cover that up a bit...)

 

[Highflier]

Tom Trbojevic will be rested again in Round 14 in an effort to completely recover from a thigh cork & myofascial tear he had been playing through (via Daily Telegraph).

Thankfully not a major injury - Manly indicated the short turnaround from their last week played a role.

the old myofascial tear injury ,I knew it !!

 

[Eagledare2dream]

The next 4games are all winnable, knights-titans away then a bye then back to Brookie against tigers-rabbits then a bye that's 12pts we should hopefully get fingers cross because after that we might not get many more. Storm-dogs-east-raiders-tigers-dolphins-dragons-warriors, maybe 6pts out of possible 16pts on offer. C'mon Manly

 

[mickqld]

So a win takes us into 5th. Considering how we've lumbered so far it's surprising. Indicates a really close competition. No easy games at all. Gummies and Cows go down would help. I think we'll win this but it won't be easy as the Knights at home will be desperate. If we want to achieve anything good this year then these are now must win games.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

A win should not be taken for granted.

Well, two ways to look at that.

I actually recommend taking a win for granted. The reason being, that way we're happy and relaxed right up until the game. Of course Manly will win

Then ... if Manly loses the game, well that is the proper time to be upset about it. No need to be on edge all week wondering will-they-or-won't-they.

And if Manly does win... you've been relaxed all week, and then happy after the game. 🙂

(having said all that ... I posted somewhere earlier that this game is not a 'gimme')(!)

 

[jbb/james]

Its no surprise to me dce played his best game after its rumoured he is playing for origin place
I thought his luke warm form leading in was because slater boy had him in-the team
I would expect another big one this week with his eyes on origin

Im sorry but after speculating about his origin form year after year and considering the paralell results i have no faith at all that manly is his priority.
But do believe he will be playing for the chez man and thats probably enough to pip the knights

Maybe ponga under the same pressure

 

[BOZO]

Yes the Broncos weren't great but is that because we didn't let them.We really did play well I thought.

Thank you for your thoughts feathered friend.
The Underperforming Broncos were not Great because they had been on a long losing slump winning just one game from their their last seven and we played as Great as the opposition allowed us .

The Knights are at the bottom of the ladder where they deserve to be under Obrien
and we should keep them there

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Good team picked.
And nice to see Navren and Patolo among the reserves (although I guess they always have to pick someone!)

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Still no Turbo, Saab, or Sio. Sippers to start.
I wouldn't have minded Jake to prop and Jazz at lock but I'm sure Jazz will get plenty of time in the middle, one way or another.