It’s been a tough year for Sea Eagles’ fans. After a promising start, injuries ruined Manly’s season; with changes to the squad just about every week. The absences of Tom Trbojevic and Dylan Walker put a dent in the spine; but it seemed like a key player was out almost every week: Joel Thompson, Jorge Taufua, Mosese Suli.
So what can Manly fans expect in 2021? Hopefully, a less severe injury rate, especially to key players. Joel Thompson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Corey Waddell, and possibly Reuben Garrick and Brendan Elliot are moving on.
Manase Fainu won’t be available until July at the earliest. There is talk of Kieran Foran returning to the club to play as hooker to alleviate the concerns of rising star five-eighth Josh Schuster. I’d be more concerned about keeping Cade Cust onside. Schuster played one game before missing the rest of the season due to injury. He may be a talent of the future, but Cust has stepped up over the last two seasons at halfback, hooker, and five-eighth.
Rumours abound about Manly trying to sign Wests Tigers’ back rower Luke Garner, and Penrith front rower Jack Hetherington. Both are under contract, but the clubs may be willing to release them to help with salary cap pressures. Both players would be a perfect fit for Manly. Garner needs a coach to bring out his best, and Hetherington needs a coach that can temper his aggression. Think Bob Fulton signing Ron Gibbs and Cliff Lyons back in the 1980s. Both players had their issues, but both played in the 1987 Grand Final win. Des Hasler may be the perfect coach for both players.
There is one x-factor that Manly should look into. Bryce Cartwright. Sure, Bryce has had his problems over the last few seasons, and he hardly set the world on fire at the Gold Coast. However, Cartwright was a break-out star at Penrith a few years back, and was considered a real chance to play for New South Wales and Australia. His defence may still be a bit iffy, but on his day, Cartwright can create an attacking chance out of nothing. Cartwright is looking to move back to Sydney, and if any coach can get him in a positive mindset it’s Hasler.
So, it could be a question of how Manly fits everyone into their 17 next year. Tevita Funa has been outstanding with Tom Trbojevic injured. Brad Parker has been as solid as ever. Morgan Harper must be pressing for a spot in first grade; and Taniela Paseka and Sean Keppie are ready to step up after the departure of Fonua-Blake.
Dylan Walker could be the odd man out. In the long tradition of Manly buying ex-South Sydney players to win premierships (Ray Branighan, John O’Neill, Tom Mooney, Mark Carroll, Jim Serdaris, Terry Hill etc), Walker may just not be the right fit for 2021.
This could be the team that runs out for Round One in 2021
Tom Trbojevic
Jorge Taufua
Mosese Suli
Brad Parker
Tevita Funa
Cade Cust
Daly Cherry-Evans (captain)
Jake Trbojevic
Curtis Sironen
Luke Garner
Martin Taupau
Kieran Foran
Taniela Paseka
Interchange
Jack Hetherington
Bryce Cartwright
Sean Keppie
Jack Gosiewski
Throw in Manase Fainu and Morgan Harper, and this could be a team that genuinely challenges for the 2021 title.
Are you a hardcore Manly fan? Check out No One Likes Us And We Don’t Care
Also, why not have a look at The History of the Manly Sea Eagles?