The Silvertail's optimism pulse 2025.

[jbb/james]

Wether its forwards or backs the major reason behind manlys lack of success IMO is cap management and our ability to attract talent possibly due to point A

Manly went all in on DCE , TOM and Jake

All of those contract have question marks over there value for differing reasons

Not sure what koula is on but from memory we sounded a tad spooked in a bidding war with RU
Oku is a beast but do we really need to sign players into retirement homes. Are we struggling that much to even retain


Some hard ball has been played in the media on cheaper players and seibs seems to know how to build a squad but a coach needs a 14 year contract at manly if he doesnt like the squad or cap situation he inherits.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Wether its forwards or backs the major reason behind manlys lack of success IMO is cap management and our ability to attract talent possibly due to point A

Manly went all in on DCE , TOM and Jake

All of those contract have question marks over there value for differing reasons

Not sure what koula is on but from memory we sounded a tad spooked in a bidding war with RU
Oku is a beast but do we really need to sign players into retirement homes. Are we struggling that much to even retain


Some hard ball has been played in the media on cheaper players and seibs seems to know how to build a squad but a coach needs a 14 year contract at manly if he doesnt like the squad or cap situation he inherits.

Manly lost $660000 off the cap in 2018-19 as penalty for salary cap infringements, this hurt for a couple of years and then we agreed to give Shu $1m (reportedly) to depart the premises... so spread over years 2018 to 2025 that's a decent chunk of our cap we've thrown away

At a guess those things have hurt us far more than signing excellent loyal players to long term deals.

 

[jbb/james]

Manly lost $660000 off the cap in 2018-19 as penalty for salary cap infringements, this hurt for a couple of years and then we agreed to give Shu $1m (reportedly) to depart the premises... so spread over years 2018 to 2025 that's a decent chunk of our cap we've thrown away

At a guess those things have hurt us far more than signing excellent loyal players to long term deals.

Just more examples of cap management that havnt helped which was my opening statement and in No Way indicates the value of the above mentioned . Geez your a funny bugger.might have to change your moniker to gollum , not my precious being half of your defence

Anyway footy
Humphries may or may not be another example
You have to get lots of the pieces right . Some other nice examples though

Curious, you going to editing my DCE thesis in 2025 , is it your shift

Live well and happy manly man

 

[Dion Johnson]

Wether its forwards or backs the major reason behind manlys lack of success IMO is cap management and our ability to attract talent possibly due to point A

Manly went all in on DCE , TOM and Jake

All of those contract have question marks over there value for differing reasons

Not sure what koula is on but from memory we sounded a tad spooked in a bidding war with RU
Oku is a beast but do we really need to sign players into retirement homes. Are we struggling that much to even retain


Some hard ball has been played in the media on cheaper players and seibs seems to know how to build a squad but a coach needs a 14 year contract at manly if he doesnt like the squad or cap situation he inherits.

I think this will be resolved for the 2027 season, the emergence of some quality younger players will help balance the cap particularly the 3/4 line, there is some talent there.

Brooks looked very good when he had a quality edge forward outside of him in the prime ministers game against PNG, with the player signings this season I assume the club has held their powder in getting an edge forward they believe will best fit the team and with the unknown future of DCE and if Walsh can replace him if DCE retires.

 

[Woodsie]

Well the February trials are drawing nearer, and another "The Manly way" episode has dropped ... how y'all feeling ... I'm liking the psychology of the camps ... concentrating on what we have been lacking ...

The highlighting in Ep 1 of the stay alive, effort and anticipation play of Jacob arffur.

The team bonding and instilling of the esprit de corps in every session ... that you are playing for, and part of ... something bigger than yourself ... your club, your family, your team mates, your future.

The unexpected changes to training routines as highlighted in Ep 4 ... building resilience and adaptability to changing circumstances ... staying in the moment ...

The accountability reinforcement of the leadership group ... words and actions.

Don't think we will be premiers in '25 ... but the premiership window is being flung wide open IMO ... my optimism for the next few years is growing hair.

 

[double hoops]

I've read some silver tails posts. Manly are clearly going to ****e in 25. Just ****e in defence. ****e mobility in the forwards. ****e fight from their forward leader some one they call Jake. But he e doesn't even lift bro! He's no Jake the muss. Captains retired off already. I keep seeing pictures of the Coach falling asleep. Some half back left em for the bunnies, and they don't even have Cade Cust anymore to help.

 

[Woodsie]

WE re getting close ... So ... how're youse all feelin ... Bear or Bull ... weak knees or stiff backbone

Remember ... it's your opinion of whether or not we're on a resurgence and on the right track ... not whether we will win the comp in'25

 

[Stewbojevic]

WE re getting close ... So ... how're youse all feelin ... Bear or Bull ... weak knees or stiff backbone

Remember ... it's your opinion of whether or not we're on a resurgence and on the right track ... not whether we will win the comp in'25

I expect us to improve again in 2025. It’s a steady squad with mostly the same combinations as the last couple of years. What that means for where we finish I’m not sure but always hopeful at this time of year.

 

[frank stokes]

WE re getting close ... So ... how're youse all feelin ... Bear or Bull ... weak knees or stiff backbone

Remember ... it's your opinion of whether or not we're on a resurgence and on the right track ... not whether we will win the comp in'25

I think our backline looks exciting for the next 3-4 years but our forward pack look slow and inconsistent...

Take Guac out and our impact forwards are down to zero (Brown and Takeihou are well past prime, Jake is too slow and not allowed to offload anymore plus i refuse to count Paseka or Bully as one is too inconsistent and the other is barely a lock for a bench spot)...

I am hopeful but have low expectations as I think last years semi was a good indication of the issues we will continue to have...

 

[manly al]

No question still that the Manly backs are one of the better groupings going around but still have to try and accommodate the 7 into 6 backline placements and still mainly revolving around the Lehi - Talau option
Most likely at this stage , Lehi slotting in i st up somewhere .
Wish it was a bit more clear with the starting or ideally best available starting pack and forward bench positions .
If Jake does not start as a prop and with Alioia out for whatever time , looks like quite a bit of reliance on Sipley .
Stating 9 , still looks like an open question . would think Burbo likely to start with Haumole on an edge and should be sufficient .
Have the largely forgotten man Waddell still on the scene , Tevaga , Taukeiaho hopefully able to offer something worthwhile as middles . Maybe Navale
Will hopefully get some important matters sorted in the trials to get the best personal and combinations and competitive level going into the season proper and ongoing and to at least try and better last season 's outcome

 

[manly al]

No question still that the Manly backs are one of the better groupings going around but still have to try and accommodate the 7 into 6 backline placements and still mainly revolving around the Lehi - Talau option
Most likely at this stage , Lehi slotting in i st up somewhere .
Wish it was a bit more clear with the starting or ideally best available starting pack and forward bench positions .
If Jake does not start as a prop and with Alioia out for whatever time , looks like quite a bit of reliance on Sipley .
Stating 9 , still looks like an open question . would think Burbo likely to start with Haumole on an edge and should be sufficient .
Have the largely forgotten man Waddell still on the scene , Tevaga , Taukeiaho hopefully able to offer something worthwhile as middles . Maybe Navale
Will hopefully get some important matters sorted in the trials to get the best personal and combinations and competitive level going into the season proper and ongoing and to at least try and better last season 's outcome

That should have been 8 into 7 backline positioning of course .
Manly backline can be good but not that good down one back position

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Boys and girls , we all know one thing ( well two actually)

How we go this year will largely be decided by these factors.

1) much improving our pretty **** defence ( at times ), do that and we finish top 4
2) how the fullback goes , injury wise, he plays 26 games we go well , he gets knocked out early , back to bottom of the 8 or worse

 

[Fred]

Feeling reasonably confident that we'll go a week further than last year.

 

[Ralphie]

Have a look around at those looking to push into the top 8 and Top 4. They have all improved their rosters, whilst ours has barely changed. I have very little faith that we will suddenly develop a great defensive structure, and I have even less faith that our Captain will suddenly learn how to control a game instead of reverting to "Hail Mary" plays.

Souffs, Donkeys, goons et al will be pushing hard for the top 8. Who misses that was there last season? Perhaps Newcastle, but both 7th & 8th look shaky to me. Meanwhile, the top 6 from last season all look to me like genuine top 4 teams.

Can someone please explain to me how we climb the ladder, with no improvements in the forward pack roster, stuck with a hooker who is not a hooker and a 36-year leader who can't resist a good "Hail Mary" play when it is least needed. I'm all for optimism, but only when there is some, any justification.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Have a look around at those looking to push into the top 8 and Top 4. They have all improved their rosters, whilst ours has barely changed. I have very little faith that we will suddenly develop a great defensive structure, and I have even less faith that our Captain will suddenly learn how to control a game instead of reverting to "Hail Mary" plays.

Souffs, Donkeys, goons et al will be pushing hard for the top 8. Who misses that was there last season? Perhaps Newcastle, but both 7th & 8th look shaky to me. Meanwhile, the top 6 from last season all look to me like genuine top 4 teams.

Can someone please explain to me how we climb the ladder, with no improvements in the forward pack roster, stuck with a hooker who is not a hooker and a 36-year leader who can't resist a good "Hail Mary" play when it is least needed. I'm all for optimism, but only when there is some, any justification.

There is foundation for your assessment and whilst I am always optimistic during the off season I am similarly concerned. Dummy half and lock are a real problems for us particularly with an aging pack that lacks mobility. Our recruitment during the off season doesn't suggest a change of thinking from Seibold so it goes back to the same old issues we had last year. You can paint a car with new a new coat of paint and put GT stripes on it but that won't improve its performance. I hope these concerns are mitigated by some of our young prospects stepping up like young Hoppa did last year.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Can someone please explain to me how we climb the ladder, with no improvements in the forward pack roster, stuck with a hooker who is not a hooker and a 36-year leader who can't resist a good "Hail Mary" play when it is least needed. I'm all for optimism, but only when there is some, any justification.

Just follow the money.
All off-season Manly have been 5th in betting for 2025 premiership winner. Not expected to win, but expected to edge closer.
As for trying to explain why - like you I'd just be guessing. But I hope they're right 🙂

 

[Pete W]

Have a look around at those looking to push into the top 8 and Top 4. They have all improved their rosters, whilst ours has barely changed. I have very little faith that we will suddenly develop a great defensive structure, and I have even less faith that our Captain will suddenly learn how to control a game instead of reverting to "Hail Mary" plays.

Souffs, Donkeys, goons et al will be pushing hard for the top 8. Who misses that was there last season? Perhaps Newcastle, but both 7th & 8th look shaky to me. Meanwhile, the top 6 from last season all look to me like genuine top 4 teams.

Can someone please explain to me how we climb the ladder, with no improvements in the forward pack roster, stuck with a hooker who is not a hooker and a 36-year leader who can't resist a good "Hail Mary" play when it is least needed. I'm all for optimism, but only when there is some, any justification.

Well, for starters, Taukeiaho in for Condon,
Patolo, Tevaga, and Chee Kam all in for Shuster and Lawton, are trades that technically offer an improvement. But more importantly, these should provide a fair bit experience, energy, and aggression, and such competition will motivate guys like Ben, Bull, Waddell, etc to quickly step up. Also, the gradual emergence of Navale shouldn't be understated, and our top guys Nella and Ola'akautu should be hitting their peaks and will be even better this season. All things considered, the 2025 pack should be better for the run.

However, it's a little simplistic to look solely at recruitment to evaluate whether we can improve. The key is really an overall improvement needed to our current stock as a team individually, and as a whole, particularly in defence. A couple of superstar recruits will not improve our defence. This can only be achieved by the strength and conditioning, structures, mentality, experience, and culture of the entire organisation. I think Seibold is backing himself here. If they can become a solid defensive outfit in 2025, our current roster (barring unlucky runs of injury to our top players), are more than capable.

Then again, it's easy being optimistic when a ball hasn't even been kicked yet.