4. 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.
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.
