Depth issues could once again haunt Sea Eagles’ finals pursuit

While the starting line-up looks more than capable of matching their NRL rivals, a lack of depth could bring the Sea Eagles undone should injuries strike. FULL ROSTER ANALYSIS

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Manly have had plenty of movement on the recruitment front without any major transfers impacting the starting line-up.

While their 17 looks more than capable of matching the majority of their NRL rivals, a lack of depth in the squad could bring the Sea Eagles undone should injuries strike throughout the season.

Here’s how Manly’s roster is shaping up ahead of the 2019 NRL season.

Manly Sea Eagles 2019 roster analysis.

Full squad

1. Daly Cherry-Evans, 2. Cade Cust, 3. Kane Elgey, 4. Brendan Elliot, 5. Manase Fainu, 6. Addin Fonua-Blake, 7. Tevita Funa, 8. Reuben Garrick, 9. Jack Gosiewski, 10. Trent Hodkinson, 11. Albert Hopoate, 12. Semisi Kioa, 13. Api Koroisau, 14. Brad Parker, 15. Taniela Paseka, 16. Lloyd Perrett, 17. Toafofoa Sipley, 18. Curtis Sironen, 19. Moses Suli, 20. Kelepi Tanginoa, 21. Jorge Taufua, 22. Martin Taupau, 23. Joel Thompson, 24. Jake Trbojevic, 25. Tom Trbojevic, 26. Corey Waddell, 27. Dylan Walker, 28. Frank Winterstein

Ins

Jade Anderson (2019), Cade Cust (2019), Kane Elgey (Gold Coast Titans, 2020), Brendan Elliot (Gold Coast Titans, 2019), Reuben Garrick (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2019), Trent Hodkinson (Cronulla Sharks, 2019), Sean Keppie (2019), Semisi Kioa (2019), Luke Metcalf (2019), Haumole Olakau’atu (2019), Corey Waddell (Penrith Panthers, 2019)

Outs

Lewis Brown (released), Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils), Shaun Lane (Parramatta Eels), Darcy Lussick (Toronto Wolfpack), Joey Lussick (Salford Red Devils), Akuila Uate (Huddersfield Giants), Jonathan Wright (retired), Tom Wright (rugby union), Brian Kelly (Gold Coast Titans)

Recruit Kane Elgey will partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Best 17

1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Dylan Walker, 4. Moses Suli, 5. Albert Hopoate, 6. Kane Elgey, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Martin Taupau, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. Addin Fonua-Blake, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Trent Hodkinson, 15. Taniela Paseka, 16. Kelepi Tanginoa, 17. Jack Gosiewski

Recruitment strength

Releasing the talented Brian Kelly seems a strange move, he has plenty rep football in his future and will be a tremendous loss. Kane Elgey looks a nice signing, however the jury is still out on his ability to consistently perform in the top grade. Halves often mature around their mid-twenties, so there’s still time for the gifted playmaker to solidify his place at NRL level.

Manly have a heavy reliance on prop Marty Taupau. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Forwards

Manly’s starting forward pack once again boasts a combination of creative spark and power. Curtis Sironen is a minor concern in the starting role, however he was playing some strong footy prior to injuring his ACL early last season. The issue is again depth, with Manly’s go-forward suffering dramatically when strike front-row pair Marty Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake took their breathers in 2018. Kelepi Tanginoa was strong in the prop rotation before injuring his knee last season. If Des Hasler can attract another quality middle forward prior to round one it could go a long way towards helping Manly gain a finals berth.

Backs

The loss of Kelly is a big one for Manly who lack strike-power on the flanks. Des Hasler must decide whether to start the reliable Brad Parker on the wing, or opt for talented rookie Albert Hopoate. Kelly’s departure all but assures Moses Suli a start, hopefully he begins to fulfil his vast amounts of potential.

Moses Suli could be set for a big year. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Spine

The spine is loaded with attacking potency, however Manly have little depth in key positions which was exposed last year with all but Daly Cherry-Evans going down injured at various stages. The talented Elgey could prove a nice foil for Cherry-Evans, however the looming signing of Kieran Foran could also demote him to ISP Cup. If Elgey can get his defence in order he’s a more than capable NRL quality five-eighth.

Where they’re lacking

Depth is major concern and inevitably brought the side undone last season. The starting line-up is strong, but the roster is very top heavy. Manly aren’t a club who can afford players to go down. You get the feeling Des Hasler’s late arrival could result in several player movements prior to the season opener, with a replacement for Kelly likely a priority.

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