NRL 2022: 5 things new Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold must fix
As another Des Hasler era painfully draws to a close, a new one is set to begin under Anthony Seibold. Here are the five key issues the new coach will have to address when he walks in.
Opinion
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When Manly kick off their pre-season on November 10, it’ll also mark the start of a new era.
Out will be one of the most successful coaches in their history in Des Hasler, and in will be a man who copped plenty at one of the league’s biggest clubs in Anthony Seibold.
The former Dally M coach of the year will have plenty to address on day one.
The Big Three
If he hasn’t already, getting his big three of skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, as well as Tom and Jake Trbojevic, onside has to be a priority for Seibold.
All three are tied down long term, with Cherry-Evans recently re-signing until 2025, while the Trbojevic brothers are locked in until 2026.
But, as if often the case, contracts aren’t guarantees.
History has proven that if the trio are fit and firing, Manly will be in finals contention.
The Trbojevic brothers have already publicly expressed concern about the direction of the club, while there have been rumblings that Cherry-Evans needs to be replaced as captain.
Jake, who showed his value in State of Origin this year, could be that man.
Off-contract 2023 players
Seibold will then have to choose who else to pin their future on.
November 1 is a date feared by most rugby league clubs and is going to cause Manly a massive headache as nine of the club’s players not being locked down past the 2023 season.
As seen in the past this can cause clubs grief with players putting their focus on finding a new club rather than playing for the one they are at.
He will have to make decisions on some key players, including Reuben Garrick and Lachlan Croker, or risk them being snapped up elsewhere.
Seibold will need to sort out his roster quickly.
The five-eighth spot
The form, and fitness, of promising talent Josh Schuster shapes as a big factor following the exit of veteran five-eighth Kieran Foran.
Schuster failed to make a significant impact for the Sea Eagles last season, making just 13 appearances due to a combination of form and fitness.
If he fires, Manly will be a force to be reckoned with.
If he misfires, it could expose the Sea Eagles’ lack of depth.
As it stands, Jamie Humphreys, who is yet to debut, appears the back-up playmaker, while teenager Latu Fainu is seen as a serious future prospect but is still eligible for SG Ball. .
The club’s depth is a real issue and with the departure of Foran and Dylan Walker.
Replacing Martin Taupau
Martin Taupau may be in the twilight of his career, but the veteran front-rower has left a huge hole in Seibold’s line-up for 2023.
Josh Aloiai enjoyed arguably a career-best season and will be the club’s front-row leader, but there are question marks as to who partners him.
That job is likely to fall between Toafofoa Sipley and Taniela Paseka.
Based on last year’s form, Sipley would have the slight edge.
The Sea Eagles’ forward pack will be far from the biggest in the competition, so whoever will partner Aloiai in the front row has a big job ahead of them.
Their defence
Manly’s defensive record was the club’s worst in their past 17 years, and some of their issues were especially glaring.
They gave up an average of 11 offloads a game last year (15th), while their right edge was also second worst in the league at conceding tries.
Manly conceded on average 25 points a game, more than double what the Panthers let in.
They were also among the league’s worst at creating and conceding offloads.
Struggling with offloading made Manly’s second-phase play close to non-existent, giving their x-factor players limited opportunities to break play open.
POTENTIAL ROUND 1 TEAM
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Morgan Harper
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Josh Schuster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
8. Josh Aloiai
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Toafofoa Sipley
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Kelma Tuilagi
13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
14. Ben Trbojevic
15. Taniela Paseka
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Sean Keppie
OPINION: MANLY FANS HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE FURIOUS
– Dean Ritchie
Can someone please explain to me why Des Hasler has been sacked because, for the life of me, I can’t work it out.
And I’m fairly certain Manly fans and members would appreciate – and deserve – an explanation too.
The pride jersey drama savaged the club. Not his fault.
Hasler had another year to run on his contract. Not his fault.
Tom Trbojevic went down injured in late May. Not his fault.
The Sea Eagles sustained 11 injuries towards the back-end of the season. Not his fault.
Hasler took charge this year when the chairman was in New York and the club had not appointed a fulltime CEO.
Again, not his fault.
Hasler remains one of the most committed coaches the game has ever seen. Every day, 6am until midnight. He embraces high performance and professionalism.
He drove Manly into the top four just last year so his demise cannot be about results, albeit his Sea Eagles did fall away badly this season after the pride jumper fiasco.
Manly players and fans adore Hasler. So it can’t be that either.
I assume at some point the men behind his demise will step forward to explain their decision.
They owe it to their confused fans to reveal why one of the club’s most successful coaches and players was axed for no real reason.
Was it personal? Was it an agenda? Their awkward justification and spin will be fascinating.
Hey Manly, let me know what time you’ve scheduled the press conference for Friday. It’s time to man-up. This I’ve got to see.
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