I imagine that at least 3 (Burbo, Koula, and to a lesser extent, Tuipulotu), are in our top 30 based on potential. All three have some defensive deficiencies that can be worked on in the lower grades.
Having said that, if our 'regulars' (and we know who they are) are getting shown up in defense on a week by week basis, it will open the door maybe a bit earlier than expected for Burbo, Koula and Tuipulotu. But if you don't show up at least in the extended squad list at 4PM on any Tuesday, it can be safely assumed that you've got something to work on.
Koula's in SG Ball - and Burbo in Flegg -because (I'm assuming) they fit the age criteria foer those comps, and can work on defense, dominate/gain confidence - and not lose confidence in tougher grades.
Fainu is the tragedy in the whole scene. Manly could hardly have bent over backwards more to show this player that he's a key cog in our expected success now and in the future (letting AK go, and re-signing him whilst under a Police investigation, and after a short prison stint). No winners to see here - not Fainu, the club, or us as supporters.
Careers could be made - or broken - in 2021. I guess it's these sort of sub-plots that will keep us Sea Eagles faithful interested this year.
It also highlights how young much of our top 30 squad is, and how it appears we as a club are banking on a bright future rather than a bright present day.