Pre-Game Penrith v Manly [Round 1, 2022]

[Eagle 1]

as long as he also defends and doesn't get lazy at marker or around the middle of the ruck. He looks much much fitter so maybe that will also help his defensive motor.

Des has given Sipley a huge compliment, starting prop against the premiers. He knows what Des wants and what he needs to do to keep in the 17.

 

[Eagle 1]

That 17 looks a lot better than I was expecting, will be interesting to see if there are any changes between now and kickoff.

So only Alioi, Shuster and Walker are the main outs, our depth is looking impressive. In seasons past these sort of outs would have us in a gloom and dome head space but not these days.

 

[ALinda]

I'm very happy to see the team list. After a horrendous day, torrential rain, bailing out water for hours, etc this has made my day!

Haumole and Marty in unexpectedly, Sipley starting, Koula at 14, it's all looking good (though would've been stronger with Walker in).

Living not far from Narrabeen HQ, I'd say it's flooded out. The team would be having plenty of wet weather training at Brookie this week and should be use to it by now.

Really looking forward to Thursday night!

 

[ALinda]

Got to say in Jake interview he doesn't seem confident they are going to win. Philosophical and realistic based on the past I guess. I think they can.

I think Jake's keeping his emotions in check. He use to take losses so badly that imo he's learning not to let his emotions get the better of him. Feels confident but plays it down and not get too excited, so then he's not as devastated with a loss.

 

[Eagle 1]

Yep I get it @Nordburg but just imagine Koula playing Walkers running/roving role, with his extreme pace through the middle. It could be a thing of beauty.

Just like to see him bulk up a bit more, before he does his thing.

 

[Eagle 1]

No,I can’t imagine it.A 19 year on debut thats predominately a Fullback or Centre,playing in the middle against the reigning premiers forward pack and having to make a ton of tackles.I’m not a fan of Walker playing in the middle either but at least he has a seasoned body,injury prone as it is.If he does stay on the bench,knowing Des,he’ll be lucky to see 5-10 minutes,if any time at all,unless there’s an injury

At this stage of his career not yet, he'd be rag dolled by the Penrith fwds anyway...later !!

 

[Disco]

In typical Des style, Koula to get 2-3 minutes if any time at all

 

[40 nil]

In typical Des style, Koula to get 2-3 minutes if any time at all

Or maybe one of our backs is out injured, and selecting Koula on the bench is Des's ploy for him to debut in the NRL without excessive media attention?

 

[Marto1970]

Koula stepped up for the hard runs in the trials and his defence was very good wouldn't surprise me to see him in the middle roaming around

 

[Disco]

Or maybe one of our backs is out injured, and selecting Koula on the bench is Des's ploy for him to debut in the NRL without excessive media attention?

Could be

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Damn I’m excited , 1 sleep

 

[Stewbojevic]

All I can say is, the chance of us running out 1-17 as named is extremely unlikely knowing Des.

 

[Brisbane Tragic]

All I can say is, the chance of us running out 1-17 as named is extremely unlikely knowing Des.

yes not a chance in my mind

 

[Eagle 1]

In typical Des style, Koula to get 2-3 minutes if any time at all

Gets a 10min to go cameo, and only if we are comfortably in front..

 

[manly al]

Oloka - atu is a big in , Lawton would never let the side down but impact wise , no comparison as Panthers still have a fairly formidable pack . Lawton can cover the half "s as well . Can only see Koula being used as an outside back - full back option , probably only Weekes and Tippytoes as other bench options and deserving for Koula after his solid trial form . Must be in it with some sort of a chance , players looked very committed and willing in the two trials , Just have to maintain the intensity and good completion rates for the full 80 , talent and ability is certainly there .

 

[Nordburg]

Or maybe one of our backs is out injured, and selecting Koula on the bench is Des's ploy for him to debut in the NRL without excessive media attention?

Think he’s already had excessive media attention prior to yesterday’s selection.It’s not the 80’s and 90’s anymore and players today can’t be hidden and many don’t want to be,given their social media output

 

[Eagle 1]

All I can say is, the chance of us running out 1-17 as named is extremely unlikely knowing Des.

No doubting Des's ability to bamboozle and play mind games on the opposition on the eve of a game. He really is an evil mad scientist of a coach. Maybe that's why we love him so much..lol.

 

[Brookie Bob]

Sydney weather won't impact season opener says Panthers CEO

Some Sydney suburbs have been inundated with over 200mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

www.sen.com.au

 

[Brookie Bob]

Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Regular Season – Preview & Prediction | NRL 2022 - The Stats Zone

www.thestatszone.com

 

[The Wheel]

Does Presser today

The Final Word: Des Hasler

Hear the final word from Coach Des Hasler ahead of tomorrow night’s season opener against the Penrith Panthers.

www.seaeagles.com.au