Manly bench Top shelf

[maxta]

There were times in recent seasons filling the top 13 was a tough gig.
The squad is now so much improved we have great competition for a spot off the bench.
Now it's up with the best imo and only going to get better....
When Aloiai gets back it's potentially Marty, Keppie, Walker and there will be Sipley, Suli, Cust, Sirro, Goziewski, Burbo fighting for the other spot....the most successful teams have that great 14 - 17 to get on the field and add intensity and impact and I think that's where we are at right now....
At full strength - who would you like to see on the bench late season/ finals ?

 

[robbiea]

Aloaio ,Keppie,Sipley,Walker.

 

[Eagles4Life]

Walker, Lawton, Keppie, Taupau

 

[Nordburg]

The only problem with your theory is that when are they ever at full strength?I think what the last 2 to 3 months has proven is that the depth,in most part,was always there,it’s just that Des refused to use some of those players that are now having a big impact like Olakau’atu and Sipley instead of continually peddling out the likes of Sironen,Boyle and Gosiewski

 

[CRPSI eagle]

If it wasn’t for injuries we’d still sitting outside the 8.
I still think Des makes dumb selections regardless our victories, ie Suli bench all game! Dumb.

 

[manlyfan76]

For me it's a case of who to leave out of the 17 as a lot of players have really earnt a chance and some haven't.

Jetski OUT no explanation needed

Siro OUT ( unpopular but way off the pace and injured every second game)

Suli OUT - needs to perform consistently

Burbo out - building nicely though

Cust out - on call for injuries. Not writing him off yet

Sadler out - back up bench.

De Luis out back up bench.
Boyle,Alioli Davey Fainu all injured.
Schuster in for Lawton who goes to 14
Walks 15
Keppie 13 til Jake back then bench prop.
Sipley bench prop
Marty and Paseka starting props until Aioli is back then Marty off bench.

 

[madmax]

Walker, Marty, Keppie, Sipley

 

[Stewbojevic]

For me it's a case of who to leave out of the 17 as a lot of players have really earnt a chance and some haven't.

Jetski OUT no explanation needed

Siro OUT ( unpopular but way off the pace and injured every second game)

Suli OUT - needs to perform consistently

Burbo out - building nicely though

Cust out - on call for injuries. Not writing him off yet

Sadler out - back up bench.

De Luis out back up bench.
Boyle,Alioli Davey Fainu all injured.
Schuster in for Lawton who goes to 14
Walks 15
Keppie 13 til Jake back then bench prop.
Sipley bench prop
Marty and Paseka starting props until Aioli is back then Marty off bench.

If we’re ever full strength I have no idea who to leave out!

Assuming our starting pack is:

8. Paseka
9. Croker
10. Aloiai
11. Haumole
12. Schuster
13. Jurbo

My bench would be:

14. Lawton
15. Walker
16. Keppie
17. Taupau

Unlucky to miss out:

18. Sironen
19. Sipley

Then… what about Fainu? Probably a straight swap for Croker if fully fit.

 

[Damien2812]

I much prefer Sipley over Keppie on the bench. Sipley adds more aggression and dents the defensive line.

 

[nightster]

Croker has been quite dependable .... but at full strength, I'd go for Lawton at hooker if Fainu remains out

 

[maxta]

I much prefer Sipley over Keppie on the bench. Sipley adds more aggression and dents the defensive line.

I agree about Sipley denting the line , but gee Keppie has improved, far less brain explosions and has a controlled aggression that is especially effective defensively...both these boys make my bench.
I also prefer the direct no nonsense Aloiai starting as he does it all at 100mph and big Marty off the bench has the ability to get a quality 2nd pase, particularly as the defence is tired out adding a great dynamic needed if we are to challenge those Top 2-3 sides.
The last spot I take Walker, as feel will only become more dangerous late season as he works through that softened middle 3rd back end of each half....could actually be a Massive X factor.

 

[manly al]

Croker has been quite dependable .... but at full strength Lawton at hooker if Fainu remains out

that 's the thing with Croker staying as hooker , on current form and the side at full strength , Lawton on the bench and with Walker a preferred option , two more prop options , then maybe a disadvantage not having another bigger or mobile type forward also there . Although starting 2 nd rowers have regularly been playing the full 80 [ if not injured ] Just that Croker is of course part of a fairly well performing side at present and doing well but would have to think that Lawton would still have more to offer as a 9 [ maybe not that much more however ] Just have to see how things pan out, Aloiai will or should be an automatic inclusion somewhere when available again , hard to leave out Keppie despite how well Sipley is going at present . Would like to see Suli at his best, being able to play a role as well but would be pushing for a bench spot with the side at full strength and preferred bench make up . just will have to fight his way back as a centre option .

 

[pjayz]

Lawton is a must on the bench. He has a great attitude, covers Hooker (and to be fair is better than Croker as a nine), covers the halves, backrow and probably even lock.

Walker is an X factor off the bench and covers the back five, so I’d have him also.

Aloiai or Taupau are a must (depending on who starts), and probably Keppie because he can play longer minutes than Sipley which is important if injuries hit during the game. However, Sipley has been great off the bench and if he was there I’d be more than happy.

Having said that, the likelihood of us being in this position is slight. Injuries and/or suspensions are too probable.

 

[Marto1970]

The only problem with your theory is that when are they ever at full strength?I think what the last 2 to 3 months has proven is that the depth,in most part,was always there,it’s just that Des refused to use some of those players that are now having a big impact like Olakau’atu and Sipley instead of continually peddling out the likes of Sironen,Boyle and Gosiewski

Why would Sip and oka extend their contracts if Des was refusing to use them

 

[Woodsie]

The real news is that we have several good options for the bench with about 7 players showing they are very capable of performing well when called upon ...

 

[Nordburg]

Why would Sip and oka extend their contracts if Des was refusing to use them

They only extended in the last few months .They were used very minimally last year and the team went poorly.They are both in the side now and the team is going so much better

 

[Stewbojevic]

Croker has been quite dependable .... but at full strength, I'd go for Lawton at hooker if Fainu remains out

I considered this option, but can Lawton play 80? If not, or he gets injured mid game, who plays 9?

A bench of Walker + 3 middles is perfect in theory with Lawton at 9. But I think it’s too risky not having genuine cover at hooker

 

[Simonmyers11]

Marty
Keppie
Lawton
Walker

Sipley very unlucky but misses out over Keppie as Keppie's defense has really impressed lately and bigger engine. Will be critical in finals against the best sides. Just look at that game against Parra, Keppie was outstanding. Plenty of go forward with Marty, Aloia and Paeska and Quac and keppie means Sipley misses out.

 

[Nordburg]

Seems to be a few in favour of Walker on the bench as opposed to another forward,all based on his performances against two of the ordinary teams in the comp.I suppose the bench size make up will be dictated by how the game evolves because I can’t see the breakneck speed it’s currently going at,holding up

 

[maxta]

Seems to be a few in favour of Walker on the bench as opposed to another forward,all based on his performances against two of the ordinary teams in the comp.I suppose the bench size make up will be dictated by how the game evolves because I can’t see the breakneck speed it’s currently going at,holding up

I hear you mate as usually 3 boppers is ideal and let's be honest - Walker has been ok not great before these recent dynamic performances....I do however see a Manly team adapting to this new game better than most and Walker will excel after the middle is broken down, but do agree will be interesting to see Walker's input against a team like Melbourne (soon)...
The real struggle will be working out the dummy half roles...I mean Lawton has been incredible and exceeded any expectations big time, yet has proven the versatility to play backrow and probably anywhere on the field, while Croker has improved dramatically also in a pack laying great go forward and the uncertainty over Fainu...interesting times - but exciting times.