StephenP
ArnoldNRL Club Analysis for Season '08 - Manly
February 20th 2008 03:38
Manly-Warringah Sea-Eagles
Attack – 9/10
Defence – 8/10
My prediction – 2nd
Defence – 8/10
My prediction – 2nd
Manly are set to unleash months of pent up frustration upon their rivals in season 2008, as the star studded Sea-Eagles seek to make amends for their grand final shocker against the Storm at the end of last season. Redemption will be word oft used by coach Des Hasler when times get tough throughout the season, and repeat showings of Manly’s meek performance from last season’s decider may well keep his troops focused.
With speed to burn, fearsome defence and a wealth of depth at their disposal, Manly have all the traits of a premiership winning side. If the core group of Orford, Lyon, Stewart, Watmough and Kite can remain injury free, then the Sea-Eagles have the talent to again contest cum grand final day ’08.
Strengths-
Despite losing the inspirational Michael Monaghan, the Sea-Eagles appear to have a much stronger squad heading into season ’08. New signings Josh Perry and Heath L’Estrange will bolster an already powerful looking pack, with Perry and Adam Cuthbertson set to battle it out with Kite and King for the two starting prop positions.
The addition of David Vaeliki will enhance an already formidable looking Sea-Eagles backline, with the former Eel and Wigan centre set to keep the pressure on both Steve Bell and Steve Matai for a starting centre spot.
Weaknesses-
A fair chunk of the Sea-Eagles salary cap has been invested in the dynamic halves pairing of Jamie Lyon and Matt Orford, rendering Manly light on for backup in the halves department should one of the two go down injured. The departure of Monaghan also leaves a big hole in both the halves and hooking roles, with only the inexperienced Ballin and L’Estrange left to fill the void.
While there is depth aplenty through the outside backs and forwards, the lack of experienced, quality depth in the crucial halves department could well prove to be Manly’s Achilles heal.
Best Team-
1- Brett Stewart
2- Michael Robertson
3- Steve Bell
4- Steve Matai
5- Michael Bani
6- Jamie Lyon
7- Matt Orford
8- Brent Kite
9- Matt Ballin
10- Jason King
11- Anthony Watmough
12- Glenn Stewart
13- Luke Williamson
14- Steve Menzies
15- Adam Cuthbertson
16- Josh Perry
17– Mark Bryant
Trial Matches-
16/02/08 v Melbourne Storm @ Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
29/02/08 v New Zealand Warriors @ Quad Park, Kawana Waters, QLD
2008 Gains and Losses –
Gains –
Josh Perry (Newcastle), David Vaeliki (Wigan), Heath L’Estrange (Sydney Roosters), David Williams (Parramatta), Tom Browne (South Sydney), Jared Waera-Hargreaves (NSWRU)
Losses –
Michael Monaghan and Chris Hicks (Warrington), Travis Burns (North QLD), Aaron Groom (Canterbury)
*Please join me tomorrow for my Analysis of the Melbourne Storm 2008 season.
Cheers,
StephenP
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