Souths to host Manly in trial match

[BOZO]

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett plans to play his best players in the team’s opening trial match against South Sydney on Saturday, February 11.

The Rabbitohs will host the Sea Eagles in a trial match at Campbelltown Sports Stadium at 7.30pm – a week after the annual NRL Auckland Nines tournament.

It will be a massive day of rugby league at Campbelltown Stadium with Manly playing Souths in NYC, Intrust Super, and NRL trial matches. It will also be the first time Manly supporters can see the new Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles team in action.

Manly originally agreed to play Cronulla in their first trial match at Pittwater Park but the Sharks are now headed for the World Club Challenge following their maiden premiership victory.

Aware the Sharks could qualify for the World Club Challenge, the Sea Eagles held discussions with several NRL clubs to secure a quality trial in the event Cronulla were heading to the UK.

“We are fortunate to be able to play Souths in a genuine trial match at Campbelltown. They have plenty of quality players and it will be a good test for us early,’’ Barrett said.

“There are a fair amount of new players in our squad and the more game time they get together before round one, the better it will be for us.

“With a bit of luck, all the players who have undergone post season surgery will be able to play against Souths.

“I’m looking to field our strongest team in the NRL trial against Souths. It is important we hit the ground running in round one.

“The Sea Eagles have plenty of supporters across western Sydney so this will be a great chance for them to watch the boys play at Campbelltown.”

 

[HoldenV8]

Will be interested to see if Snake and Skivy end up playing.

 

[BOZO]

Will be interested to see if Snake and Skivy end up playing.

That's the $64 question feathered friend

 

[HoldenV8]

If both are to play on in 2017 I can see them being given a 'lighter' pre-season than most. By that I mean that if they do play trial games I wouldn't expect them to be out there for the full 80. They'll be in cotton wool until the season starts, especially after Snake's hammy went while playing Ipswich at Rat Park this year. That really screwed his season before it started and I can't see the club wanting it to happen again.

Of course, that is if both are playing.

Skivy I can see playing on, though obviously it depends on the specialists reports on his neck.

Snake on the other hand.....his problem is that its pretty clear that Tommy is now seen as the first choice #1, so where does that leave Brett? He's not a winger so forget that one IMO, and with Blake Green there is no way he would play 5/8 (which he's not anyway). And now we have Uate, Tom won't be moving back to the wing for Manly any time soon and its doubtful he'll be played at centre unless its an injury cover.

And personally I think we're better served having Tom at fullback now than with Snake back there. Sure his defence isn't the best (name me an U/20's graduate centre, winger or fullback who is actually good at defence.....), but the fact that he averages around 100 metres more per game than Snake is a big help to the teams go forward and that makes the forwards job that much easier.

 

[Fluffy]

like most trial games we will field our full strength team for 10 minutes only

 

[Brooke]

Great they are having a trial match in Campbelltown, close for me.

 

[The Who]

Wow. Can't wait to see the Blacktown Workers at Campbelltown . . .
a glimpse into our future, perhaps?

 

[Chip and Chase]

Playing Rabbitohs at Campbelltown ??!! Leave your valuables at home and don't forget to lock your car.

 

[The Who]

I think you'll find that the correct name for the suburb is Shambletown.

 

[Duff]

Dog act by both clubs. Souffs muscling in on an already claimed area. Manly pilfering a junior club.

Proof that all the Sydney teams are casting off their geographical identities and just becoming generic Sydney brands. Manly can't win at that. We're not big enough. We need to hang onto what's ours and create an enclave.
They'll kill our club before they realise how stupid they are. I just hope it comes after I finally lose interest so it doesn't bother me as much.

 

[double hoops]

How is Campbelltown now south Sydney.

 

[1969]

How is Campbelltown now south Sydney.

Same a Blacktown is Manly (just a little West)

 

[ALinda]

Snake on the other hand.....his problem is that its pretty clear that Tommy is now seen as the first choice #1, so where does that leave Brett? He's not a winger so forget that one IMO, and with Blake Green there is no way he would play 5/8 (which he's not anyway). And now we have Uate, Tom won't be moving back to the wing for Manly any time soon and its doubtful he'll be played at centre unless its an injury cover.

That's all very well but here's another scenario. What if Snake stays and Taufua is offloaded - as has been rumoured and he is off contract. Who will end up on his wing?

My answer is that it all hinges on what happens with Snake (as I posted elsewhere), if he stays or goes, his fitness, attitude, if he's included in the cap, etc.

Whatever happens with Matai is understandable but with Snake who knows! Either way, I doubt neither of them will play in a trial.

 

[manlyfan76]

That's all very well but here's another scenario. What if Snake stays and Taufua is offloaded - as has been rumoured and he is off contract. Who will end up on his wing?

My answer is that it all hinges on what happens with Snake (as I posted elsewhere), if he stays or goes, his fitness, attitude, if he's included in the cap, etc.

Whatever happens with Matai is understandable but with Snake who knows! Either way, I doubt neither of them will play in a trial.

Has the match fixing gone quiet for the off season or is that just me not reading smh and tele?

 

[ALinda]

Has the match fixing gone quiet for the off season or is that just me not reading smh and tele?

Good question - that's another aspect I'd forgotten which could affect our line-up in 2017.