Not getting all the despair

[Mark from Brisbane]

I'm sure Schuster could have played earlier, Okalatu could have played more.
Des just didn't .

Yes agree with that

 

[Ryan]

I'm sure Schuster could have played earlier, Okalatu could have played more.
Des just didn't .

Would have loved to see Luke Metcalf given a go in the 6 or 1. Aaah well, it is what it is.

 

[Karshy]

I think there are a lot of factors that will determine success:

• Strength of Draw - last year we ended up with one of the harder ones.
• Injuries throughout season - last year we virtually played 3/4 of the season without our #9, #6 and #1. We even lost our back up #1 for a good chunk.
• Final pieces of the recruitment puzzle - Foran gives us depth in halves and centres. Schuster looked the goods in his only game but I think he will need to earn his stripes to get ahead of Foran. Davey seams like a decent value pick up. Would love to see who else Des and the team are working to bring to Lottoland. Hooker (while Fainu is out), Wing and Backrow are the positions i think we lack a bit of quality.
• Preparation - Des obviously geared his team to play a style that was meant for the rules pre-COVID. Then the NRL changed the rules in the middle of the season. I've seen many comments around the team and Des not being adaptable. But how, after 4 months of preseason preparation and training, do you adapt to rule changes 2 weeks before the season recommences.

We've got a coach who has only missed the finals in 3 seasons out of his 16 season, made 5 grand finals and won 2. I reckon he knows exactly what he needs to do to get the club into a good spot for 2021.

 

[Rocky]

Im really curious as to why a few members say that are hopeful of at least one big signing to be added (outside of Saab). Are there obvious candidates off contract? Or is the expectation that there is someone lined up who will be released from a contract to come to Manly?

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I think there are a lot of factors that will determine success:

• Strength of Draw - last year we ended up with one of the harder ones.
• Injuries throughout season - last year we virtually played 3/4 of the season without our #9, #6 and #1. We even lost our back up #1 for a good chunk.
• Final pieces of the recruitment puzzle - Foran gives us depth in halves and centres. Schuster looked the goods in his only game but I think he will need to earn his stripes to get ahead of Foran. Davey seams like a decent value pick up. Would love to see who else Des and the team are working to bring to Lottoland. Hooker (while Fainu is out), Wing and Backrow are the positions i think we lack a bit of quality.
• Preparation - Des obviously geared his team to play a style that was meant for the rules pre-COVID. Then the NRL changed the rules in the middle of the season. I've seen many comments around the team and Des not being adaptable. But how, after 4 months of preseason preparation and training, do you adapt to rule changes 2 weeks before the season recommences.

We've got a coach who has only missed the finals in 3 seasons out of his 16 season, made 5 grand finals and won 2. I reckon he knows exactly what he needs to do to get the club into a good spot for 2021.

Good post, I hope you are right on the last paragraph.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Im really curious as to why a few members say that are hopeful of at least one big signing to be added (outside of Saab). Are there obvious candidates off contract? Or is the expectation that there is someone lined up who will be released from a contract to come to Manly?

That would be coming based on,

About 1.2-1.4 million off the cap for those that have left.

Foran largely accounted for by TPA.

Davey wouldn’t be too expensive.

Saab ( if coming) also not on big $$$$

Some upgrades BUT must have $500k left.

Now spending it might be problematic but that would be the reasoning.

 

[The better Robbo]

I think there are a lot of factors that will determine success:

• Strength of Draw - last year we ended up with one of the harder ones.
• Injuries throughout season - last year we virtually played 3/4 of the season without our #9, #6 and #1. We even lost our back up #1 for a good chunk.
• Final pieces of the recruitment puzzle - Foran gives us depth in halves and centres. Schuster looked the goods in his only game but I think he will need to earn his stripes to get ahead of Foran. Davey seams like a decent value pick up. Would love to see who else Des and the team are working to bring to Lottoland. Hooker (while Fainu is out), Wing and Backrow are the positions i think we lack a bit of quality.
• Preparation - Des obviously geared his team to play a style that was meant for the rules pre-COVID. Then the NRL changed the rules in the middle of the season. I've seen many comments around the team and Des not being adaptable. But how, after 4 months of preseason preparation and training, do you adapt to rule changes 2 weeks before the season recommences.

We've got a coach who has only missed the finals in 3 seasons out of his 16 season, made 5 grand finals and won 2. I reckon he knows exactly what he needs to do to get the club into a good spot for 2021.

Saab, Garner and a hooker to complete the squad.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Saab, Garner and a hooker to complete the squad.

That would be perfect , hope they can bring it hone for us!!

 

[manlyfan76]

Wait a minute. This isnt about twentys bulldogs?!?

 

[Kevinward777]

Good post, I hope you are right on the last paragraph.

Past history would suggest the odds are very much in favour of @Karshy's last sentence being correct. The first half of his last paragraph is irrefutable-it is what I would call an absolute truth.

 

[wombatgc]

If the second tier comps run next year then I think our depth looks a lot better. This year we had a bunch of young talents who couldn’t really develop because there were no games for them to play in.

Spot on. It is the most important factor as to how we go next year imo.

 

[Heckenberg]

Our season will rest on how much of the season Turbo misses due to his aging body

Ageing body.. or maturing body. I reckon he’s gonna grow into his awkwardness

 

[PONTIAN SEA EAGLE]

Where is there a top 6 with those players mentioned on the starting thread.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

It’s only the 8th of November so I’m not yet worried about the make up of the final 28 ( I think that’s still the case only 30 by June).

But in a months time if we are still the same then I think we can all be worried as depth will kill us ( again ).

 

[Woodsie]

Where is there a top 6 with those players mentioned on the starting thread.

2017 and 2019 with pretty much the same squads ... only less experienced than they are now ...