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  1. 1

    2020 recruitment wish list

    Jeremy Marshall-King, Bulldogs hooker, very under-rated. I've watched several Bulldogs games lately and surprised at how hard he hits in defence, for his size. Crisp passer and will get better. Would be a solid, budget back-up hooker if Api goes.
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    Back-up hooker 2020

    Assuming Api goes in 2020 (what a shame), we will need a back-up hooker. Not sold on Croker/Cust/Docker-Clay as long-term back-up, particularly if Fainu is injured. Obviously, we need budget buy. Fa'amanu Brown, also a half, from Dogs, worth a look. Zac Woolford from Knights another...
  3. 1

    Buhrer

    Would love to see Jamie back at Manly next year, albeit at a discounted rate. Always thought his best position was bench utility (14), covering hooker/backrow if needed. If Api goes, Buhrer could be handy on our bench next year. Great club man, great experience (particularly if Thompson...
  4. 1

    Our X-factor bench to win GF

    14. Api Fainu to start to give us more energy, and at end of game when defence tiring. And for magnificent Api to have a big stretch in middle when team can switch off. Fainu would be devastating in two spells. 15. Sipley Talk he'll be back by round 23. Will be huge effort to get a guy that...
  5. 1

    Walker to 5/8 our X factor for finals

    I know Walker's struggled in halves before, and I am a fan of Cust. But to catch up to Storm/Roosters/Rabbitohs and overtake them in GF, we need Walker at 5/8. Here's why: 1. Walker is a big match player who thrives on early ball. 2. Parker is a must to return to centre. We'll need his...
  6. 1

    Seven less-considered good signs from win

    Apart from obvious (Tom, Marty etc) 1. Cust kicking game: Wasn't sure he had one, but kick to Walker, repeat sets first class 2. Garrick returns: Ran with a lot more force in our quarter. Not rag-dolled like other games. A keeper. 3. Walker: Best game in a long time. Looked threatening every...
  7. 1

    Our biggest find this year ...

    ,,, Reuben Garrick's goal-kicking Been a long time since we had a gun goal kicker (Killer was an elite player but never an elite goal kicker). Touch wood, Garrick strikes the ball beautifully and I can remember him 'shanking' only one shot (against Dragons). He looks more capable than DCE from...
  8. 1

    depth

    Am tired of commentators criticising our depth. 1. Most base their view on 'name players' and don't know the squad. 2. Too much depth is a problem (Parra had enough to fill two NRL teams at times.. look how that worked out) 3. We have three rooster spots (including Walker fill-in) still to...
  9. 1

    Member experience

    Having supported Manly for years, I finally signed up as a member as a show of support for Des and Donny. I should have done so years ago, but less need when you live in Victoria. Have to say, I'm disappointed with the experience so far: - the sign-up process was slow and clunky - it took a...
  10. 1

    Api to 5/8th

    Yes, it's a big call to make early in season. However: 1. We look so much shaper with Fainu at dummy half 2. Elgey is a reserve grader at best. 3. Api starred in a halves cameo for us a few years back, is a terrific player and would stiffen our edge defence. 4. Hodkinson to 14 as the utility
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    Parker

    I know I'll be laughed at for this view, but am expecting Brad Parker to surprise many this year. He looks bigger and stronger in the photos and showed promise in his early career. It's now or never for him. Being on the end of a terrible backline with a terrible coach rocked his form and...
  12. 1

    ”Horhay” Tafua

    Assuming we recruit two decent outside backs, I'd train Jorge for Number 14 jersey as a high-impact bench player who covers outside backs, back row. 15 minutes of Jorge late in a half in the middle or edge could wreak havoc. He's still incredibly hard to tackle one on one and his lack of pace...
  13. 1

    Is our depth better or worse than in 2018?

    Hard to know until we see who gets final two spots in squad. But don't discount: - Return of Api / Sirro - Improvement in AFB / Paseka / Tanginoa - Elgey and Elliot (under-rated players) - Suli having a proper off-season - Young backs who can step up - a fit roster, proper coach - more goal...
  14. 1

    Over-reliance on power forwards

    For most of 2018 we had Marty/AFB/Lane/Jake in starting six - ie four props. Then, Paseka/Winterstein/ Tanginoa on bench - more middles. I like power forwards, but suspect we had too many in the top 17 and squad. In contrast, Roosters had smaller forwards : Radley, Corder, Lui, Aubusson...
  15. 1

    Over-reliance on power forwards

    For most of 2018 we had Marty/AFB/Lane/Jake in starting six - ie four props. Then, Paseka/Winterstein/ Tanginoa on bench - more middles. I like power forwards, but suspect we had too many in the top 17 and squad. In contrast, Roosters had smaller forwards : Radley, Corder, Lui, Aubusson...
  16. 1

    3 key back-up questions

    1. Who replaces Tom during SOO / if injured? Probably young Hoppa. Or Funa/ Anderson. We look very light on for fullback back-up. 2. Who replaces Jake during SOO / if injured? Hopefully Tanginoa. Winterstein an option if Des plays him in the middle. 3. Who replaces Walker/Suli if injured or...
  17. 1

    innovative positional changes

    Understandably, many fans are focussed on remaining two spots on our register and other changes. I'm more interested in innovative positional changes from Des, something he is known for. For example: 1. Jake to front-row (not a huge change) 2. Tanginoa to edge backrower (could wreak havoc...
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    Three players who need to step up next year

    1. Kelly. Time to become one of the game's elite young centres. Needs to get faster, bigger. He's a keeper. 2. Sironen. Can't keep living on potential. Must string a lot of games together. Fewer errors. 3. Paseka. No more rookie excuses. Need to use that big frame to dominate games.
  19. 1

    Support staff

    I'd like to see Cartwright get the recruiter gig at Manly (assuming Crusher is retired). For all his supposed coaching inadequacies, Cartwright has a good eye for talent and has good connections. Plus we wouldn't have to pay out his assistant coaching contract. .
  20. 1

    Mystery

    Through all the drama, one saving grace has been keeping our squad in tact. Lane is the only loss. I expected more desertions by now and clubs feasting on our mess. Perhaps we'll lose more, but the squad sticking together - through ridiculous uncertainty and slow-moving management - is...

2020 Ladder

Team P W D L PD Pts
1 Bulldogs 7 6 0 1 74 14
2 Warriors 8 6 0 2 0 14
3 Storm 7 5 0 2 78 12
4 Raiders 8 6 0 2 58 12
5 Broncos 8 5 0 3 78 10
6 Sharks 9 5 0 4 49 10
7 Sea Eagles 8 4 0 4 36 10
8 Tigers 9 5 0 4 20 10
9 Cowboys 8 4 0 4 -14 10
10 Dragons 8 3 0 5 -14 8
11 Roosters 9 4 0 5 -42 8
12 Knights 8 3 0 5 -48 8
13 Rabbitohs 9 4 0 5 -70 8
14 Dolphins 9 3 0 6 6 6
15 Titans 7 2 0 5 -68 6
16 Eels 8 2 0 6 -117 6
17 Panthers 8 2 0 6 -26 4
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