Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Consistency is a word which has typified the Sea Eagles for the past few years, and that is definitely the case with their backline looking at 2013. The emergence of Jorge Taufua in 2012 will certainly cover the loss of Dean Whare and Michael Oldfield, while some young stars are likely to ensure players like Brett Stewart, Steve Matai and David Williams are kept on their toes. And is there anything more that can be said about Jamie Lyon?
How do Manly’s backs stack up entering 2013?
FULLBACK
NSW fullback Brett Stewart will again be a strike weapon from the back for the Sea Eagles in 2013. He had a fantastic 2012, including reclaiming his NSW Origin spot and maintaining the killer partnership with Anthony Watmough and brother Glenn on the edges.
Taufua will be able to provide cover around Origin time, while the return of Ben Farrar after a season ending knee injury in 2012 will increase the depth. Clinton Gutherson and Mitchell Manson are two NYC prospects to keep and eye out for.
Featured Fullback: Brett Stewart scored 14 tries and had 14 try-assists in 21 games in 2012, averaging 34.3 Dream Team Points Per Game.
WINGER
While Dean Whare and Michael Oldfield are both gone, Jorge Taufua and David Williams both provide Geoff Toovey with quality finishers on the flanks in 2013. Farrar’s return will give another option out wide, while exciting recruits Jacob Gagan and Peter Hiku will put plenty of pressure on the starters. Matt Ikuvalu and the giant Soni Fatialofa are two wingers in the NYC squad to keep and eye out for this year.
Fine Finisher: Jorge Taufua scored 10 Tries, 100 Tackle Breaks and made 28 Line Breaks in 24 Games in 2012, with 30.38 Dream Team Points Per Game.
CENTRE
The NRL’s most experienced centre pairing will again lineup for the Sea Eagles in 2013, as Steve Matai and Jamie Lyon form a 1-2 punch combination. They are just as lethal in defence as attack, with Matai sure to pull off some bell-ringing tackles again this year.
Can't wait for the season to start? Check out part 1 of our season preview where we take a look at the forwards
Again Farrar will provide depth in this spot, as will new signings Esi Tonga and Gagan. Dylan Strickland and Ikuvalu are also both contenders in the lower grades.
Sensational Centre: Jamie Lyon scored 11 Tries, had 18 Try Assists and 55 Tackle Breaks in 26 Games in 2012 and 42.7 Dream Team Points Per Game.
Bottom Line for 2013:
The Sea Eagles retain plenty of strike on the edges this season, with representative experience spread through the backline. With a sprinkling of new and returning players, they definitely have the experience to be dangerous this year.
http://www.seaeagles.com.au/news-display/2013-Sea-Eagles-Season-Preview-Backs/67305
How do Manly’s backs stack up entering 2013?
FULLBACK
NSW fullback Brett Stewart will again be a strike weapon from the back for the Sea Eagles in 2013. He had a fantastic 2012, including reclaiming his NSW Origin spot and maintaining the killer partnership with Anthony Watmough and brother Glenn on the edges.
Taufua will be able to provide cover around Origin time, while the return of Ben Farrar after a season ending knee injury in 2012 will increase the depth. Clinton Gutherson and Mitchell Manson are two NYC prospects to keep and eye out for.
Featured Fullback: Brett Stewart scored 14 tries and had 14 try-assists in 21 games in 2012, averaging 34.3 Dream Team Points Per Game.
WINGER
While Dean Whare and Michael Oldfield are both gone, Jorge Taufua and David Williams both provide Geoff Toovey with quality finishers on the flanks in 2013. Farrar’s return will give another option out wide, while exciting recruits Jacob Gagan and Peter Hiku will put plenty of pressure on the starters. Matt Ikuvalu and the giant Soni Fatialofa are two wingers in the NYC squad to keep and eye out for this year.
Fine Finisher: Jorge Taufua scored 10 Tries, 100 Tackle Breaks and made 28 Line Breaks in 24 Games in 2012, with 30.38 Dream Team Points Per Game.
CENTRE
The NRL’s most experienced centre pairing will again lineup for the Sea Eagles in 2013, as Steve Matai and Jamie Lyon form a 1-2 punch combination. They are just as lethal in defence as attack, with Matai sure to pull off some bell-ringing tackles again this year.
Can't wait for the season to start? Check out part 1 of our season preview where we take a look at the forwards
Again Farrar will provide depth in this spot, as will new signings Esi Tonga and Gagan. Dylan Strickland and Ikuvalu are also both contenders in the lower grades.
Sensational Centre: Jamie Lyon scored 11 Tries, had 18 Try Assists and 55 Tackle Breaks in 26 Games in 2012 and 42.7 Dream Team Points Per Game.
Bottom Line for 2013:
The Sea Eagles retain plenty of strike on the edges this season, with representative experience spread through the backline. With a sprinkling of new and returning players, they definitely have the experience to be dangerous this year.
http://www.seaeagles.com.au/news-display/2013-Sea-Eagles-Season-Preview-Backs/67305
