During the Hasler years, we saw the lower grade results as a poor reflection of the club. Bar one year, the second of the Under 20's, where we had quite a good team with players to become established first graders. Hasler/the Club focused on only a few players throughout all of the lower grades and it seemed they were the only ones with a chance to come through. Hasler has done the same at Canterbury. I am not deathriding this concept, as in some ways it will be deemed as a cost effective and successful way and for Manly which earned the club two premierships and nearly one for Canterbury.
Since Hasler left, it has taken a few years for the lower grades, as a whole, to give better on field results. Matthews and Ball had good results this year, the Youth Cup is going well, on the back of a decent 2nd half of 2014 and miracles can happen,the NSW Cup have got themselves into the semis. Can't remember the last time the Reserves have done that.
Does this mean, there is more depth throughout the Club? Next year should see more of this year's Under 20's in the NSW Cup which should be an encouraging sign for 2017.
Being an "old fart", I certainly miss the days of President's Cup became your 3rd Graders, 3rds became your Reserve graders and believe it or not, the Reserve graders became your first graders. Clubs at the start of the year would list the 55 players as the Club squad.
Since Hasler left, it has taken a few years for the lower grades, as a whole, to give better on field results. Matthews and Ball had good results this year, the Youth Cup is going well, on the back of a decent 2nd half of 2014 and miracles can happen,the NSW Cup have got themselves into the semis. Can't remember the last time the Reserves have done that.
Does this mean, there is more depth throughout the Club? Next year should see more of this year's Under 20's in the NSW Cup which should be an encouraging sign for 2017.
Being an "old fart", I certainly miss the days of President's Cup became your 3rd Graders, 3rds became your Reserve graders and believe it or not, the Reserve graders became your first graders. Clubs at the start of the year would list the 55 players as the Club squad.