Firstly agree 100% true, as a good mate - Adam Ritson at 17 - 18 could have gone far if not for unfortunate circumstances after a high Lomax tackle actually saved him long term, at the time running over the likes of Chief Harrigan, but didn't like getting hit by Rodney Howe....and many more like Fittler and Manlys choir boy Tooves was an instant hit.
I do recall a few tough Manly youngsters pushed too early and had ultra short careers...
1 was Dallas Rennie who never really went anywhere??
The other was some Massive forward Weepu, who got taken out by Ricketson in a tackle that today would be called up, but in the day was fair enough.
I actually feel Manly need to give youngsters with potential a go in today's Super fast game, as there's nothing worse than selecting an average player with experience to play it safe, over a potential superstar awaiting opportunities when the Seaeagles faithful are awaiting that young exciting player to take their opportunity...