Pre-Game Manly V Cowboys [Round 1, 2025]

[Seagles68]

I watched those two games, Jazz did a job in distributing the ball from dummy half but didn’t challenge the English with a handful of runs in both games.

I thought Gordon outplayed him in those two games and got more minutes in the second game.

The thought that Jazz is there to do the tough work doesn’t read well either looking at the statistics 71 tackles and 9 misses in both those games.

No knock against Tevega who openly discussed his best position is a middle and not a spine player.

And he's up against a top shelf DH in Robson. That's my big concern.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

How did he play? I thought he was brought in as some kind of bench impact player like Brown. I have to say, I don't really know much about how he plays. I saw a couple of Warrior games when he played and he seemed to play a bit like a Lawton role. I would prefer Lawton. Unless of course he blitzes it, then Lawton will be yesterday's man

I thought he played strongly, without too much finesse though. A competent stop-gap for us at dummy half but not serious long term option there, I'd have thought.
Like others have said, much will depend on whether Simpkin and Gordie can step up somewhat this year.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

And he's up against a top shelf DH in Robson. That's my big concern.

The fact Robson can create problems is possibly the exact reason we're starting with Jazz. He is a solid and quite energetic defender.

 

[double hoops]

I watched those two games, Jazz did a job in distributing the ball from dummy half but didn’t challenge the English with a handful of runs in both games.

I thought Gordon outplayed him in those two games and got more minutes in the second game.

The thought that Jazz is there to do the tough work doesn’t read well either looking at the statistics 71 tackles and 9 misses in both those games.

No knock against Tevega who openly discussed his best position is a middle and not a spine player.

How he played for Samoa is what you would expect on Saturday.

I do recall the Journo talked up Jazz's big defence in that Scrimmage, for what ever that's worth.

He'll take the heat out of the opening 20 minutes for Simpkins advantage. But lets hope he doesn't miss 5 ish tackles thou.

 

[Seagles68]

I thought he played strongly, without too much finesse though. A competent stop-gap for us at dummy half but not serious long term option there, I'd have thought.
Like others have said, much will depend on whether Simpkin and Gordie can step up somewhat this year.

And I have real concerns that Froggy may not make it through the season.

 

[Seagles68]

The fact Robson can create problems is possibly the exact reason we're starting with Jazz. He is a solid and quite energetic defender.

Hmmm, ok. I look forward to actually seeing what he can do.

 

[Phobia]

I particularly like the Jazz signing, because it basically gives us a sure way to get the 6 backline players into the 17.

The issue with Lawton / a specialist hooker on the bench in general, is that if Croker plays 65 mins or so, it's basically a wasted bench spot. Tevaga being able to play as a backup defensive-oriented hooker for 15 mins, like Lawton, but then being able to play in the middle for 20 or so, unlike Lawton, makes him valuable to us. We can run with basically an extra bench spot. When Croker is back, and Tevaga is bumped to the bench, Talau will probably be the 14. Might even happen in round 2, depends on how Seibs runs the hooking rotation.

 

[Ralphie]

Really? When you look at last year's results, I’d argue it was our inability to beat the “weaker” teams that hurt us more than the top teams.

Let’s take a look:

Last year, we lost 10 matches and drew 1. Let’s see who we lost to:

• Parra – Did not make the 8
• St George – Did not make the 8
• Canberra – Did not make the 8
• Dolphins – Did not make the 8
• Brisbane – Did not make the 8
• Penrith – We split games with them
• Souths – Did not make the 8
• Roosters – Split games with them
• West Tigers – Come on
• Sharks – The only team in the top 8 that beat us without us taking anything from them
• Oh, and a draw against the Warriors where we dropped a point.

So, who did we beat in the 8?

• Melbourne
• Penrith
• Roosters
• Cowboys
• Bulldogs
• Knights

So, the only top team we didn’t beat was the Sharks? And our overall record? We dropped 3 games against top 8 teams, opposed to how many against teams outside the 8?

My argument would be that mental toughness, rather than the skill set of the team, meant we didn’t qualify for the top 4, which puts us at a disadvantage in the semis. Now, can we compete with those top teams? I think so, but not until we “win” the games we should.

This just proves that we continue to be mentally weak.

 

[manlyfan76]

Lawton on the bench last year, on the bench for this game.

Just not at Manly

12 of last years round 1 team are starting this week. I like the staring line up & think we’re in for a pleasant surprise. Having Aloiai, Brown & Talau to come back will only strengthen us. The 2024 team were good enough for a top 4 finish but some s

 

[Darknstormy]

Well said feathered friend I agree
Having said that The Game of Rugby league is not the Benchmark of How Females Square up Against Males
There are Females that dominate in other fields of life
No one is Greater Male or Female . They Both have their Great Traits

Lol

 

[lsz]

This just proves that we continue to be mentally weak.

My point really - not about "competing with the top teams" as we are just as poor in games we should win

 

[Seagles68]

I particularly like the Jazz signing, because it basically gives us a sure way to get the 6 backline players into the 17.

The issue with Lawton / a specialist hooker on the bench in general, is that if Croker plays 65 mins or so, it's basically a wasted bench spot. Tevaga being able to play as a backup defensive-oriented hooker for 15 mins, like Lawton, but then being able to play in the middle for 20 or so, unlike Lawton, makes him valuable to us. We can run with basically an extra bench spot. When Croker is back, and Tevaga is bumped to the bench, Talau will probably be the 14. Might even happen in round 2, depends on how Seibs runs the hooking rotation.

Just on Lawton - I don't think he should've been playing DH. I think his fringe running and defence was good enough for our bench. I feel he was sort of forced into that role. I'm not sure how Payton will play him, so that will be interesting to see.

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

Just on Lawton - I don't think he should've been playing DH. I think his fringe running and defence was good enough for our bench. I feel he was sort of forced into that role. I'm not sure how Payton will play him, so that will be interesting to see.

He played almost exclusively at dummy half in their trials, at least from what I saw. And they've lost Granville, so he's Robson's main backup. But I agree: he's much better as a backrower. Took us a while to figure it out, and his injuries didn't help, but last year was his best year for us. I wish him well from Round 2 onwards…

 

[Dion Johnson]

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Reuben Cotter outlines how North Queensland Cowboys can counter Manly Sea Eagles’ mammoth pack​

Reuben Cotter has outlined how North Queensland can expose Manly’s mammoth pack on Saturday evening while backing rookie halfback Tom Duffy to shine in his first NRL opportunity.

Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter has outlined how North Queensland can expose Manly’s mammoth pack on Saturday evening while backing rookie halfback Tom Duffy to shine in his first NRL opportunity.
The Sea Eagles have one of the most formidable forward rotations in the competition, with man-mountains Taniela Paseka, Toafofoa Sipley and Haumole Olakau’atu weighing a combined 353kg.

In fact, according to listed player weights, Manly has the size advantage in every position from No.8 to No.17 – besides No.14 where Cowboys recruit Karl Lawton is 1kg heavier than Jake Simpkin.

Manly’s forwards are a combined 58kg heavier than their North Queensland counterparts.

But Cotter said his team’s mobile forward pack could take advantage of the physical discrepancy in round 1.

“Tough game, always down at Brookvale. We’re expecting them to come out guns blazing,” Cotter said.

They’ve got a pretty big forward park and a pretty handy set of outside backs as well. We’re going to have to go after the game with our defence.

“We’ve spoken about being there in the 80th minute and keeping the ball in play, that’s sort of where I think our benefit will come from as well. We’re looking forward to it.”

Cotter and Sam McIntyre are two of the NRL’s new prototype for middle forwards in a game that gets faster every season.

The tough and tireless players bring ballplaying to attack while being just as reliable as any big bopper in defence, and they have the engines to play big minutes.

Cotter said McIntyre was primed to take the next step in his development this year.

“He’s been one of our most consistent. Last year he played a great role for the team, and he brought that into the pre-season as well,” Cotter said.

“He’s been very consistent and we all love playing alongside him, we’re very confident when he’s out on the field.”

The Kangaroos and Maroons middle forward said he was looking forward to making Duffy’s debut one to remember.

“He really has a voice amongst the team and he’s pretty switched on, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes this weekend,” Cotter said.

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“I was pretty happy with how he attacked that Melbourne trial, and (he) definitely doesn’t look out of place.

“He’s got a great kicking game, he’s very vocal, and he’s (got) ability. He’s got a smart footy brain as well, so bringing that to the team alongside Tommy Dearden, it’s a good combination.

“We’re looking forward to him starting and really trying to develop that combination.

“We’re all very excited for him to get his opportunity this weekend. Everyone remembers their debut and we’re going to try and make it a special one for him down there.”

The Cowboys play manly on Saturday night, kick-off is at 6.35pm.

Patrick Woods

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

The Cowboys play manly on Saturday night, kick-off is at 6.35pm.

No it's not! Must be a Queensland article (in case that wasn't obvious)

 

[Brookie Bob]

There should be no excuses for this game. First game of the year, at our home ground, against opposition that is weaker than they were last year (lost Feldt, Holmes, Townsend), and have long-term injuries to 3 more players (Laybutt, Chester, Luki).

Plus - they've won the last 2 games against us at Brookvale. Pure heresy.

Time to (within the rules) unleash against the Cowpats and give the others something to consider from the get-go. Under the radar be dammed.

 

[maxta]

Duffy can play all right - but a Huge assignment for a rookie at Brookie .... pardon the pun
Robson is of course a danger, but this can be minimised if the Manly middle defence is rugged and in control, he won't get to zap out so easily from DH.
Nanai is the bloke who always has a day out vs Manly as he pops up on those edges in attack and is very good at steaming onto grubbers, or short mini bombs around the sticks.
Can add Dearden as a Danger man also, but truth be known, I feel Manly have strike all over the park, so they should be far more worried if looking at the sides on paper.....the trick will be getting into the grind early and not letting them build confidence and momentum on the back of errors, silly pens and 6 agains.
In reality, Manly look 16+ the better side, but early season games are tough to predict and thats why the tea lady usually leads tipping comps till rd 3 or 4