I'll keep it simple... Why the he'll does Des persist on picking backrowers as props? We need Sipley back asap. We have zero punch once our starting props go off. The one bench prop we do select in Paseka in generally ineffective. Des' loyalty to Paseka, Gosiewski and Waddell is baffling. We need 2 genuine props on the bench and Sipley has to be one of them
Much easier to have an extra prop/ props on the bench if you extend the minutes or don't interchange the hooker at all saving 1-2 interchanges.
I would be pushing longer minutes for Levi, i'm sure he can do it if he paces himself better.
Levi has so much upside if we are patient with him, he is building confidence and starting to back himself, i would be extending his contract while he is still a bargain for 2 years.
Good mix with Fainu(if he ever returns), if Fainu doesn't return the continuity with Levi is a bonus coming into year 2, it's a no brainer. Some of his crisp wide passing from the ruck is beautiful to watch, allowing Manly to hit the edges quicker, missed that element of Manly's game since the Ballin years. Starting to back himself more running wise and even showed he has the ability/confidence to kick from the ruck with decent distance yesterday.
Seems to have a physical side that can withstand the tough grind of NRL each week so hopefully less prone to injuries.
I still think AFB and Marty can play with more punch, so many of their metre stats are slow metres with slow play the balls carrying defenders in the upright position. Too often they trundle towards the defensive line(mostly AFB) to allow themselves time to use footwork between defenders, AFB gets between the defenders but not at an explosive pace to generate a fast play the ball. It is like they are pacing themselves throughout the game or protecting themselves from injury---which is not always a bad thing because we need both on the park but it does take away from their impact.
I would prefer backrowers with explosive punch on the bench(which we don't have either) with one prop rotation, backrowers offer more flexibility around the park when injuries hit.
We need more direct punch throughout the squad otherwise more tactics and science behind our game is required to compensate----Hasler has the ability to do this but it's a tough task with so many injuries.
Yesterdays game was so boring to watch i was constantly hoping Manly would kill the game early with more tries(i knew it wouldn't happen) so i could do something else with my time.
