Post-Game Discussion Manly V Chooks [Round 22, 2025]

[Terry Zarsoff]

I think that was the worst game I have seen DCE play - his continual turning the ball in to players like Waddell was so negative and got Manly zero results. Walker completely outplayed DCE, so why do Easts want him??

Indeed. Seems like a pointless exercise (adding DCE to the roster) from their perspective. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up ‘Doing a Chad’ in reserve grade over there.

What on earth would Walker or Savvala(?) learn from him, apart from how to undermine your coach,* then throw games in the bargain?

And what makes them think he stacks up as a potential coach? Any sort of coach?

He has been repelling teammates at club, state and international level for years. Who would want to listen to that whiny, pleading voice?

*Tooves joins with Boldy in saying ‘Hi!’

 

[Captain Moondog]

Is this the worst Manly side ever? I reckon the Northern Eagles would have beaten these guys. Geez I'd take Brett Kanardly over our (semi) present halfback.

 

[Waz13]

To come home from Brookie wet, cold and despondent and read that Manly players were laughing after such a loss makes me feel sick! I was tempted to walk out in disgust and in hindsight I should have. The conditions were appalling and it was so hard to watch them play as ineptly as they did.
I can't understand why they had no desire to tough it out, like the Roosters did, when a top 8 position was on the line?!

I've ditched any plans to make the trip to Canberra next week. If we play like we did tonight, we'll be annihilated.

I am thanking my lucky stars I decided to make the trip down v Souths rather than the other option I was exploring, which was last nights game.

 

[Wombat64]

The sooner you guys do a cleanout the better

To clean out all the shxt ......we need a massive enema

 

[Eagle 1]

Our best hope right now is clear the books and have loads of cap space for when the Bears come into the comp so we can be in the market for any big names they will be looking at too.

We need to clean house. Start with the Turbos honestly. Ditch the entire forward pack bar Ola and Bullemore.

Get in the market for a gun half, an origin level prop and a Crichton type back rower. Probably a 9 too.

Next season is going to resemble a mass real estate auction clearance. With the Perth Bears coming in 2027 is it any wonder so many players are now angling for the 1yr deal only for 26. Sure, we'll have more cap money to spend but so will everyone else, especially the Bears.

 

[Sheikheagle]

I’m at a loss how Waddell is picked every week. Tonight TKO, Koula & Jazz can hold their heads up. The rest forget!

I actually reckon Burbo was ripping in prior to putting his head in the wrong place.

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

Another thing... Fox commentators agreeing when Lehi went off Tom was back to form at fullback lol like did I miss something...

Yeah, the idea that moving Tom back to fullback will magically fix all our problems can be put to bed now. Seriously, it doesn't matter who we have back there - Lehi, Koula or Tom - when the rest of the team is completely disinterested in winning games of rugby league.

 

[Wombat64]

So exactly when does the so called Penn premiership window open?

 

[Once Was Brissie Kid]

Won't win another 2025 game.
In the end this team will finish on the table below Eels and Dragons.

 

[Nordburg]

I actually reckon Burbo was ripping in prior to putting his head in the wrong place.

BenT has been good this season and showing great improvement.Once he gets over the “baby giraffe” phase of his career,he could be anything

 

[Eagle 1]

Next Friday night is looking dire in the forwards, no Paseka, Ailoi, Brown, Ola, add Jazz and Burbo now. That's 6 out. Big chance Froggy could finally get a start on Friday.

 

[Sheikheagle]

BenT has been good this season and showing great improvement.Once he gets over the “baby giraffe” phase of his career,he could be anything

Even Brandy said he was having a great season. He was hitting hard last night.

 

[JBW]

Even Brandy said he was having a great season. He was hitting hard last night.

I've historically been a big critique of Burbo but I will confess that he's probably been on of our most consistent forwards this year.

But, is that due to being in a really poor pack, so he looks better? I actually think he's a front rower in the making. He wouldn't get a start in too many other sides as an edge forward.

But it has been pleasing to watch him improve.

 

[SeaEagle21]

The only saving grace, the 20 4 scoreline didn't balloon out like it usually does with us.

True, but the weather played a big part and Roosters themselves aren’t the team they have been the last few years.

But agree when the Roosters went over in the second half i thought here we go again… even then they were just running on the 5th to give the ball back to us in out 10 as they saw what the rest of us could, we were no threat to score any points. Sad really

 

[manly al]

Just can not go with the better sides lately despite being quite competitive for an initial 15 - 20 min period .
Deteriorating conditions just seemed to co inside with a total drop off in Manly "s ability to play for the conditions but the lack of direction and mistake rate just so much on the down side considering the Roosters somehow were finding a way to adapt so much better and superior controlled play .
Depleted forward pack before and during the match but no excuse for that pitiful lack of direction
Just switched the game on full time but if accurate that quite a few of the Manly players were smiling after full time , really need some serious self reflection on that ,
Bad enough for a largely inept team effort , bar a few exceptions but any players not taking a grim view after full time , again really need a major wake up change of attitude
Intrepid and dedicated home crowd last night in particular deserve so much better

 

[Jerry1]

Where to from here…

 

[Eagle 1]

True, but the weather played a big part and Roosters themselves aren’t the team they have been the last few years.

But agree when the Roosters went over in the second half i thought here we go again… even then they were just running on the 5th to give the ball back to us in out 10 as they saw what the rest of us could, we were no threat to score any points. Sad really

Our attack was just so muted, Cheery's pet play is the inside ball runner, usually Waddel, who got hammered regularly. I'll give Waddell this, he comes back for more...lol

 

[manly al]

Maybe is the time to get Talau into the starting side on an edge or backrow
Seems one of the few players in the squad at present capable of some decent go forward or ability to break the line .

 

[Eagle 1]

Where to from here…

Canberra on Friday night unfortunately...

 

[Wombat64]

Where to from here…

Further downwards .....