OK - So HOW do Manly Improve ?

[manly al]

Parker and Frank are still contracted for 2019 and would still provide depth at a minimum . Biggest problem this season has been just the repetitious nature of quite a few on field failings and short comings whether poor completion rates and turn overs , conceding cheap penalties and ineffectual communication in defence . particularly on D C E ' S side . [ and the other common denominator of course being D C E 's lack of control ] No co incidence that when these problems were largely reduced [ and especially completion rates ] in Manly 's winning games that even D C E was able to play a more effective role . Maybe just try to get some better field position and put more pressure on the opposition coming out of their own half and give better early attacking opportunities for our centres and Tom .. Think that Manly "s overall defence can go o k if the players are properly motivated . Just have to hang on to the pill , also again try to get some improved field position [ and of course better control from our halves ].and not be so predictable in attack .

 

[Jerry1]

I reckon we need to swap the halves.

DCE to 5/8
Hodko to halback

Hodko to play a more organizing, set, direct halfback role, getting the forwards on a roll and let Cherry play a wider running 5/8 role and let him play what's in front of him.

The roles are buggered at the moment and they dont know what to do in their current structure.

Captain Fantastic wouldn't go for that & what he wants goes...

 

[malroon]

HAVE A GAME PLAN..!!

 

[pjayz]

Hodkinson is already playing the organising role - that’s why he was brought in. He even says this himself. This was always the plan, just like it was with Green.

It’s still a balancing act and they just haven’t got it right yet. Hodkinson has just joined us and had no pre-season with the team. You can’t immediately strike up a good combination that performs week in week out - that takes time.

Look at Thompson, he took the first 6/7 weeks for him to settle in and start performing and he’s a forward.

Our season was shot the moment the club was left with Croker as the 5/8th. We tried to get Moylan, then Pearce and failed thanks to the cap investigation. The coach, the players etc still should be performing way better than they are; however, with no cap issue - Pearce would be playing with Cherry, confidence across the team would be higher and we would be top 4.

We still have a good list, we are one or two players short of a premiership threat and it starts with a quality half to partner Cherry.

 

[niccipops]

I reckon have a Silvertails member referee all Manly games. We will drastically improve.😀

 

[manly al]

Hodkinson is already playing the organising role - that’s why he was brought in. He even says this himself. This was always the plan, just like it was with Green.

It’s still a balancing act and they just haven’t got it right yet. Hodkinson has just joined us and had no pre-season with the team. You can’t immediately strike up a good combination that performs week in week out - that takes time.

Look at Thompson, he took the first 6/7 weeks for him to settle in and start performing and he’s a forward.

Our season was shot the moment the club was left with Croker as the 5/8th. We tried to get Moylan, then Pearce and failed thanks to the cap investigation. The coach, the players etc still should be performing way better than they are; however, with no cap issue - Pearce would be playing with Cherry, confidence across the team would be higher and we would be top 4.

We still have a good list, we are one or two players short of a premiership threat and it starts with a quality half to partner Cherry.

I have still got my doubts that Hodko can really bring or provide that much more to improve matters with his limitations in a mobile defending and attacking role . Still can also not get sold on this D C E 5 / 8 or wide of the ruck playing mode . Sure he is a good instinctive and very capable player but just seems to have issues to be able to regularly benefit the team with his continuing indecisive and awkward playing style there .. { though hope that both can prove me wrong in future games ] Really can not notice or nominate any suitable or attainable half"s who may be available to recruit for next season . Still a bit hard to fathom how under three coaches now in Hasler . Toovey and now Barrett that D C E at almost age 29 still has problems being an effective organizer and game manager . . I think in Moylan"s case , it was more of a matter of the Panthers strange request for that 250 k transfer fee that may have resulted in him not coming to Manly but no doubt if he was recruited , highly unlikely that Thommo would now be in Manly colours . Agree that it is still a good squad and side when injuries and suspensions are not impacting negatively . The only other short term options for a 6 apart from Hodko would be Walker , Tom Wright or maybe Kelly but in the short term no doubt it will be Hodko and hopefully for him to be able to offer some better input A S A P