Season Preview: Manly

Off-season moves Ins Josh Aloiai (Wests Tigers, 2023), Andrew Davey (Parramatta Eels, 2022), Sione Fainu (2021), Kieran Foran (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2021), Tolutau Koula (2022), Jason Saab (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2023), Christian Tuipulotu (Sydney Roosters, 2024), Alec Tuitavake (2021), Kaeo Weekes (2021) [caption id="attachment_46101" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Josh Aloiai of the Tigers runs with the ball during the round 1 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Leichhardt Oval on March 16, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Outs Brendan Elliot (released), Addin Fonua-Blake (New Zealand Warriors), Danny Levi (released), Luke Metcalf (Cronulla Sharks), Abbas Miski (London Broncos), Brayden Musgrove (Newcastle Knights), Sam Smith (released), Joel Thompson (St Helens RLFC), Corey Waddell (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Tony Williams (released) 2020 Season One word can describe the Sea Eagles' 2020 season; poor. They were just ... there. At times Manly were flying, at others they were a legitimate reserve grade team with a sprinkling of first graders and a megastar halfback. Tommy Turbo's injury curse absolutely destroyed their season. If any team loses a player of his talent and importance, of course they're going to struggle. That said though, the Sea Eagles had no plan B. [caption id="attachment_37339" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Bulldogs coach Des Hasler speaks to the media after the round four NRL match between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Lottoland on March 25, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Des Hasler was able to extract a final's appearance out of a similar squad in 2019. 2020 was one that will want to remain in the rear view mirror. A few fun games aside, they were an absolute punish to watch at times. Recruitment Impact This is tough to grade. Josh Aloiai is a big inclusion to replace AFB. The way he left the Tigers leaves me a little worried in regard to his attitude but I suppose it says he was keen to join Manly. AFB is a monster and will be sorely missed on the field. Kieran Foran is a brilliant feel-good story and should add some serious talent and experience. That said, Foran is far from the same player who left the Sea Eagles all those years ago. That said, if he can stay fit, he's quite comfortably the best option at six. [caption id="attachment_20952" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 25: Kieran Foran of the Sea Eagles looks on during the round 20 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium on July 25, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Joel Thompson is a big out with the experienced second rower heading to England. Manly haven't recruited anyone who can fill his role. Brendan Elliot's release came as a shock. Daniel Levi was a shock release. Given the state of the number nine jersey at the moment combined with the fact Levi wasn't earning huge money, it just doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. https://youtu.be/zztca5K4Zhs See Zero Tackle's own Dan Nichols over at Rugby League Outlaws Talking Points Number 9?: The Sea Eagles have a potential superstar number nine in Manase Fainu. Unfortunately he remains unavailable following an off-field incident that cost him the entire 2020 season. Manly signed Daniel Levi to cover his position, however have since released the former Kiwi international rake. Right now NRL.com has Kieran Foran as the predicted number nine for round one. Given Foran's injury history, I cannot see this working. He lacks the pace to create issues from dummy half and is hardly the player you can rely on to make 40+ tackles a game. I hope Des has a solution here as there isn't an obvious quick fix. Can Turbo Stay Fit?: The big question. Turbo is so important to the Sea Eagles. He started 2020 on fire, as did Manly. It's not coincidence that following his injury they became shells of their former selves. If he can stay fit Manly are a super dangerous side able to beat anyone on their day. You take him out of this side though and they come right back to the field. He's arguably the most important player to any team's fortunes across the competition. His latest setback is set to put Manly behind the eight ball early. DCE Needs Help: Even the greatest players need help. DCE ran the ship almost by himself at times during 2020 and his form ultimately suffered as a result. [caption id="attachment_45514" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 16: Daly Cherry-Evans of the Sea Eagles talks to team mates during the round 14 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Lottoland on June 16, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Walker didn't live up to his reputation and without a star one or nine, DCE ran the show by himself. His outside backs where hardly exhibiting "throw it to me and I'll break the line" form either. Cade Cust was the closest thing he had to a dance partner all season. With Foran and Turbo back on board, that should change. Prediction 12th There's no doubt that Manly enter 2021 with a "top heavy" squad. DCE, Jake and Tommy Trbojevic are so important to this side. If those three fire then there's no reason why Manly shouldn't be right in the finals charge. That said, if any experience a drop off in form or miss extended time it could spell trouble. Dylan Walker needs a big season while Marty Taupau needs to return to his destructive best. Aloiai is a clever in but Taupau needs to reclaim his pack leader role now that AFB has moved across the Tasman. Foran's return could be a masterstroke if he can stay fit. Unfortunately for both Manly and Foran himself, recent history suggests that is a big if. Truthfully a lot of Manly's intimidation has fallen away. They no longer have the fierce forward pack to belt sides off the park, while their Brookvale home ground no longer shapes as the fixture travelling teams fear the most. [caption id="attachment_41253" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles leaves the field after sustaining an injury during the NRL Trial match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Manly Sea Eagles at Shark Park on February 23, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)[/caption] There is plenty of talent in this squad but also too many questions to confidently predict a top eight finish. If DCE and Turbo fire, then who knows? If Foran returns to his best ... If Turbo stays fit ... If, if if. Too many questions for those in Maroon and White. Could be a long season ahead unless a lot goes their way.