Pre-Game Sharks V Manly [Round 6, 2025]

[Eagle 1]

A bad loss here and Seibold has to give the captaincy to Jake. He can’t let it fester. If DCE sulks too bad, it will just further tarnish his already on the nose reputation. Let’s see what Seibold is made of.

Probably a bad loss against a much weaker side might see a possible change of captain. We are very much the outsiders in this game, so I can't see much changing in the short term.

 

[ALinda]

Maybe the addition of Aloiai and Talau might make a difference. Clutching at straws I know but here's hoping...

 

[Brookie1973]

Probably a bad loss against a much weaker side might see a possible change of captain. We are very much the outsiders in this game, so I can't see much changing in the short term.

This is supposed to be our premiership window year. If we can’t compete against other top 4 sides (with and without Tom), something needs to change.

 

[Eagle 1]

This is supposed to be our premiership window year. If we can’t compete against other top 4 sides (with and without Tom), something needs to change.

Tom needs to be playing for us to have a 2025 premiership window. And our forward pack barring Ola isn't a top 4 forward pack.

 

[SeaEagleSI1]

Late mail

Sea Eagles: Hooker Lachlan Croker and winger Tommy Talau are pushing to return from injury a week earlier than initially expected and have been listed in the extended squad. Jason Saab also looks set to line up on Saturday afternoon despite suffering an ankle injury last week. Prop Josh Aloiai will make his return after missing one game with a shoulder injury, with Toafofoa Sipley shifting to the bench and Corey Waddell suspended

 

[Dingo]

Both Talau and Croker in would be nice. As much as I love Clayton, I think our backline just looks much more complete with Talau there instead of him. I'd be playing Croker off the bench and starting Simpkin tbh, he's been very solid so far. Dunno about Jazz yet. Unfortunately Simpkin probably gets dropped if Croker is back though, considering Jazz is the one starting.

 

[Pete W]

Surely Seibs won't be dropping Simpkin

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Surely Seibs won't be dropping Simpkin

If Croker is fit that will be an interesting choice.

Against the Sharks who have physical power across the park, and certainly in the forwards, Simpkin might be left off?

Not that I've studied him really, but most comments seem to be about his adding value to our attack. But that is not the area of Manly's game in urgent need of bolstering! (currently 2nd for points scored... equal 11th in defence!

 

[The Who]

Surely Seibs won't be dropping Simpkin

I have doubts about his defence. He is a good distributor and reasonably nippy out of dummy half but is he rugged enough to stop a big forward? That doubt is why Jazz has been selected to start. But even that option failed in our two defeats this season.
When Froggy is ready he is still our best option imo.

 

[Pete W]

I guess my understanding would be that Croker comes in for Jazz, and Jazz in turn returns to a mobile middle who can fight for a bench spot with Sips or Brown. Surely Simpkin stays at 14

 

[Nambawan]

I guess my understanding would be that Croker comes in for Jazz, and Jazz in turn returns to a mobile middle who can fight for a bench spot with Sips or Brown. Surely Simpkin stays at 14

Good luck playing Croker - after a very long lay-off - against the Sharks pack. Surely better to bring him back via the NSW cup? And in any case, how much , in reality, does Croker offer at his best of times?

 

[Jethro]

we need a lot of luck and a lot of possession to compete in this one.

That it not going to happen for us this week with who the NRL has picked as a referee for this game.

Adam "Six More against Manly " Gee

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

That it not going to happen for us this week with who the NRL has picked as a referee for this game.

Adam "Six More against Manly " Gee

Soon as I saw that I knew we were ****ed

 

[niccipops]

This is supposed to be our premiership window year. If we can’t compete against other top 4 sides (with and without Tom), something needs to change.

The halfback?

 

[Peter C]

Both Talau and Croker in would be nice. As much as I love Clayton, I think our backline just looks much more complete with Talau there instead of him. I'd be playing Croker off the bench and starting Simpkin tbh, he's been very solid so far. Dunno about Jazz yet. Unfortunately Simpkin probably gets dropped if Croker is back though, considering Jazz is the one starting.

Clayton is a very good NSW Cup standard player, he's almost 25, if he was going to make it in first grade he would have made his mark earlier, has defensive issues

 

[Darknstormy]

Bugger all this negativity.

Come on guys/gals. Forget yesterday. It’s in the bin, along with the Sharks’ premiership hopes.

Yeah, yesterdays performance stung a bit. If we didn't leave the ground early, we all yelled at the TV like it owed us money. That’s passion, baby!

But before you start selling your jerseys on Marketplace... BREATHE. 😂

This week, we regroup, reload, and unleash. We’re not just bouncing back, we’re coming in feathered and feral.
Keep those chins up & give the death-riding a rest.

We’re facing the glorified sardines from Cronulla for goodness sake, not superman.

They've won just ONE premiership in their entire existence. We're a proud club with a proud history.

This coming Saturday, we're going to make a statement. I feel it in my bones.

#UpTheSeaEagles #SharksGetStuffed #FeathersOverFins

It’s not negativity it’s the truth we have been in a Groundhog Day loop since 2014…everything is so predictable for this club it’s a little sickening

 

[Ralphie]

It’s not negativity it’s the truth we have been in a Groundhog Day loop since 2014…everything is so predictable for this club it’s a little sickening

I'm currently very pessimistic. I don't see us winning this weekend, then we play our bogie team St George followed by a desperate Penrith then Cronulla again. I can see us having five losses on the trot including last weekend. Then we will be in crisis mode.

 

[Darknstormy]

This is supposed to be our premiership window year. If we can’t compete against other top 4 sides (with and without Tom), something needs to change.

No disrespect but where have you been the last ten years?….nothing has changed injury incompetent players and inconsistency…many players and coaches have come and gone but the rot hasn’t followed because the main tumour is the owner and until he is gone we will never be where we once were..he is responsible for giving the nod to Dce Tom and Jakes salaries in the hope the dynamic trio would bring home a premiership well all that’s done is given us an unbalanced roster that breeds all 3 i’s I mentioned above

 

[Darknstormy]

I'm currently very pessimistic. I don't see us winning this weekend, then we play our bogie team St George followed by a desperate Penrith then Cronulla again. I can see us having five losses on the trot including last weekend. Then we will be in crisis mode.

Ouch that would hurt but it is very possible…don’t get me wrong I want to see us succeed but there ain’t no window until pen pisses off

 

[Eagle 1]

I'm currently very pessimistic. I don't see us winning this weekend, then we play our bogie team St George followed by a desperate Penrith then Cronulla again. I can see us having five losses on the trot including last weekend. Then we will be in crisis mode.

Praying that Turbo will be 100% and back for the 2nd Sharks game.