MANLY

Manly continue to struggle with the salary cap.  Their most important signing is coach Des Hasler, who returns to the club he won premierships with in 2008 and 2011, as well as 1987 and 1996 as a player.  Hasler’s first job will be fixing the mess left behind, as Manly finished second last in 2018.

Promising centre Brian Kelly has moved to Gold Coast, while their top try scorer for 2018, Shaun Lane, has joined Parramatta.  Without much room in their cap, Manly has opted for youth.  Their main signing is halfback Kane Elgey from Gold Coast, who will battle with Trent Hodkinson to partner Daly Cherry-Evans at the scrum base.

Any side with Tom and Jake Trbojevic should always be in with a chance of winning, but they will need plenty of support from players such as Marty Taupau, Apisai Koroisau, Dylan Walker, Addin Fonua-Blake, and hopefully a fully fit Jorge Taufua.  Joel Thompson proved to be a handy signing last year, and could thrive under the coaching of Hasler.

Manly’s problem will be depth.  If they have an early run of injuries, their season may be over prematurely, but if any coach can get the best out of this group of players, it is Des Hasler.

You can read more about the history of the Manly Sea Eagles here.

A true Manly fan?  Read about 101 Reasons To Be A Proud Manly Fan here.