3. 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.

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)

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.

See Zero Tackle's own Dan Nichols over at Rugby League Outlaws