Manly's 2024 surprise packet

[maxta]

Mentioned previously just a pity that he was not able to get into a bit of space or some more room to move when he tried to inject himself in attack
Seems not too bad on his feet and keen competitor , safe under the high ball . Did not pay that much attention to his defence but probably adequate enough .
Not too sure what his squad status is , just know that Seibs has a fair rating on him and should get plenty of encouragement to build on his game as the season progresses with Blacktown

That's exactly the thing Al - He was in a badly beaten team and as we all know, it's hard for a back to shine when dismantled badly through the guts.
Personally Im not a big stats man, but these are impressive from a FB in a team beaten up so badly and I agree he didn;t get quality ball and almost half these metres made were from an ugly position, making me sit up and take notice.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Burbo is set for a big year.

 

[Eagles4Life]

Humphries to secure the bench utility role from round four or five. Humphries to push for the starting hookers spot from pre-season 2025.

 

[Cliffy's Jockstrap]

Things I hope for

1. Brooksy. I hope he is in the public conversation for Five-Eigth for the Blues by the time of Origin 1.

2. Froggy. I note he is signed to 2026, I think we might have something in mind with him.

 

[Sheikheagle]

Things I hope for

1. Brooksy. I hope he is in the public conversation for Five-Eigth for the Blues by the time of Origin 1.

2. Froggy. I note he is signed to 2026, I think we might have something in mind with him.


Froggy may well be the next captain

 

[Dion Johnson]

Any thoughts at the mid year stage, Tommy Talau I never thought he would go as good as he is.

 

[pt73]

Any thoughts at the mid year stage, Tommy Talau I never thought he would go as good as he is.

Either did I but he’s really worked hard and it’s showing with some top performances.

 

[Cliffy's Jockstrap]

Talau and young Hopoate, they really have surprised.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Talau and young Hopoate, they really have surprised.

My guess earlier in the year was young Hoppa, though I don’t know how many more games he will get this year.

Talua he has been very consistent and has overtaken a few players in the 3/4 line, his form has been more consistent than Koula, Garrick, Saab, Paulo and Ray Ray.

 

[JenEagle]

My guess earlier in the year was young Hoppa, though I don’t know how many more games he will get this year.

Talua he has been very consistent and has overtaken a few players in the 3/4 line, his form has been more consistent than Koula, Garrick, Saab, Paulo and Ray Ray.

Ray has been outstanding when called into first grade. His defence against trhe Storm was next level.

 

[maxta]

Has to be Taulau as far as over exceeding, but I think if we pinched him as a rookie he showed plenty of upside years ago....but faded away with injuries and ....being a Tiger.
Brooks has suprised with his defence and played some decent footy, but I must confess expected more from his running game, but maybe once Tom is back can improve this area.
I would also 100% join the above posters - Lehi Hopoate is a classy young player with a big future.
On the flip side, I expected a real breakout season from Kola and yes he has had a few good moments....but thought he would be getting more carries of the ball and have more clean line break, again maybe the effect of Tom will offer this, as the kid is trying and makes some nice hard carries when noone else has their hands up so credit to that effort play.

 

[spider]

Don't get me wrong Kola is all heart just needs to be the size Tom T's and his game would be next level. Tommy Talau has been stand out for me, I thought he would be a much better buy then Paulo who i don't rate and i was right IMO. Thought Brooksy would of been a bit better then he's shown so far, Still a good buy as we need someone to help DCE. Lehi has massive future so calm and composed for a 19 year old need to keep this one.

 

[BOZO]

Talau and young Hopoate, they really have surprised.

They are both good players in a very Good Manly Roster
and it is a surprise Manly is underachieving and out of the top 8 on 11th spot

 

[bob dylan]

Tommy Talau has been stand out for me, I thought he would be a much better buy then Paulo who i don't rate and i was right IMO.

Never understood what they saw in Paulo.

Tommy was a big risk after not playing first grade the second half of last year and missing the complete 2022 season because of injury. But he had shown lots of skill in the games he had played.