Pre-Game Manly V Knights [Round 19, 2024]

[Seagles68]

There is no way Turbo should be playing at fullback. The only positive about his game last week was that he managed to get through 80 minutes. He looked like he still had a very long way to go.

The other thing is, Lehi has arguably been our best fullback this season. I'd rate him ahead of Koula and Tom (the 2024 edition). He's wasted on the wing. We'd be better off with Jaxson Paulo - who was one of our best against the Bunnies - or Ray-Ray out there, especially if he's marking up against Marzhew, who is an absolute behemoth.

Yeah, I was worried Lehi was marking Marzhew so I checked where he played on the weekend and looks like Saab will be marking him.

 

[double hoops]

Weren't people saying on here a couple of days back that Humphries was very ordinary in Reserves last week? This concerns me big time.

They did. But after the Souths loss. People on here also were talking about Humphries like he is the greatest Manly halfback to never get to play first grade.

Good on the young bloke for finally cracking first grade. It will be a step up for him, and the worst thing we can do is expect a debutant to show all our other blokes how to play.

Just keep his job simple, let him do his thing, help him in defence, might even give him a short kicking licence. But he just needs to play a role in this team this week.

 

[Ashton Davis]

A much better line up named than the one that faced Souths. I’m still lacking confidence in Tom based off what he has shown this year but the side named feels about right. Swapping Lehi and Turbo around for this week would improve it though

 

[Marto1970]

The Turbo fitness is weird. Obviously a long lay off, playing in very humid conditions, ball was in play a lot, not many stoppages.

Then you look at Ponga, out for even longer, comes back and looks like he hasn’t missed a beat.

In the defensive line all the time

 

[Lloyd]

The Turbo fitness is weird. Obviously a long lay off, playing in very humid conditions, ball was in play a lot, not many stoppages.

Then you look at Ponga, out for even longer, comes back and looks like he hasn’t missed a beat.

Yes agreed. I think Tom is battling mental demons rather than physical ones. His confidence in his body is not there imho. Plenty come back from long lay offs and look impressive. Ponga, Papps etc.

 

[DanielTurbo888]

When comparing the performances of Tom and Ponga last week please consider -

Ponga - Tackles Made (3) , Tackles Missed (4)

Tom - Tackles Made (25) , Tackles Missed (0)

 

[Sheikheagle]

When comparing the performances of Tom and Ponga last week please consider -

Ponga - Tackles Made (3) , Tackles Missed (4)

Tom - Tackles Made (25) , Tackles Missed (0)

Attack wise ponga smashed Tom’s input.

 

[ALinda]

Yeah I’m also questioning Turbo back to FB given his match fitness won’t be too good yet.

I wonder if it’s a furphy & if he’ll stay in the centres with Talau back to the wing & Lehi at FB 🤔

May be, but I'm inclined to think Turbo/Talau/Lehi are going to play a bit of both. They can afford to do this switcheroo against a depleted Knights' backline. It's just fortunate we're playing them this week (e.g. Origin week, Turbo slowly coming back). Doubt they'd do it against a stronger side.

Some sense has prevailed with regards to Humphries and it's about time. At least he's a specialist half, unlike Lawton. It'll be good to see Talau spending some time in the centres too. Should be an interesting game on Sunday.

 

[manlyfan76]

We've got the backline strikepower.
Just need to win it in the forwards.

 

[stoodamire]

When comparing the performances of Tom and Ponga last week please consider -

Ponga - Tackles Made (3) , Tackles Missed (4)

Tom - Tackles Made (25) , Tackles Missed (0)

Yeah but Turbo looked cooked after 5 mins.

I’m not trying to bag Turbo, they say FB is more demanding position than the centres. Just an observation I made.

Even in contact when making tackles, he was arm grabbing. He hasn’t put his body into a tackle since he tore his pec last year during origin.

 

[LeonardCohen]

Tom is required at 1 this weekend because we need the extra point of attack.

 

[Rosko]

MIGOTY. On paper, and on Golden Eagles day at a drying Brookie… no way we should lose this. But it worries me I am starting to show signs of optimism.

 

[globaleagle]

Well turbo to centre lasted a long time.
glad he isn't 5/8 - didn't anyone see that kick he tried?

lol. I know, one kick a career not make.

Anyway - get to see a couple 'o newbies. Cheer 'em on Manly!

 

[Eagle 1]

Yeah but Turbo looked cooked after 5 mins.

I’m not trying to bag Turbo, they say FB is more demanding position than the centres. Just an observation I made.

Even in contact when making tackles, he was arm grabbing. He hasn’t put his body into a tackle since he tore his pec last year during origin.

It was warm and humid, not the ideal place to play after 9wks on the sidelines. Back at Brookie, late afternoon kickoff in much cooler conditions should suit Tom, he'll come out better for the run.

 

[The Wheel]

Surprised we are such hot favourites here - $1.40 on TAB. Hopefully we come out and play like hot favourites but to me this seems a fairly even contest with the home ground advantage giving us a slight edge

 

[Chunkytuna]

I don't get it?! Only assuming it may be strategic to get knights to focus their game plan on turbo at fb all week and then a late reshuffle of the backline on game day?!

makes zero sense to me????

 

[The Wheel]

We stick to our systems: Luke Brooks

Luke Brooks talks about the toughness of Tolu Koula and the challenge of taking on the Knights at 4 Pines Park on Sunday

www.seaeagles.com.au

 

[Chunkytuna]

winning this game lies largely on the shoulders of Brookes and turbo. Well paid senior players in spine positions, they need to lead by example and get their hands dirty. They have both played in leisure suits for most of the games they have played this year.

The team is going to be looking for leadership without the voices of Jake and cherry there. These two simply have to stand up.

I reckon that's a bit harsh on Brookes. I watched the Cowboys game from the weekend again and he took the line on quite a bit and his defence is great for a guy his size. I would suggest though that he needs to be a little more selective about when to pass and when to run.

 

[manly al]

Surprised we are such hot favourites here - $1.40 on TAB. Hopefully we come out and play like hot favourites but to me this seems a fairly even contest with the home ground advantage giving us a slight edge

Tend to agree , and Knights have Jack Hetherington and Cooger on the extended bench . maybe not making that much of an impression this season but still previous first grade standard .
Think the Knights winger Mapapalangi listed is a former Manly lower grader or junior

 

[Chunkytuna]

Yes his defence looks fragile even last week in the centre's he didn't look comfortable but in attack it should bring us more points hopefully we can grind out a win

According to the Instagram account he didn't miss one tackle in the centres last week?? 25 from 25. Not bad.