How the SMH rates our chances

[Guest]

THE MAIL
Centre Ben Farrar will miss the start of the season through injury, but the word is that won't stop coach Des Hasler from using the experienced Jamie Lyon, who is normally a centre, at five-eighth alongside 19-year-old Kieran Foran at halfback. Tony Williams or youngster Dean Whare are the options to partner Steve Matai in the centres.

WHY THEY WILL MAKE THE EIGHT
They've got a hard core of star players, including Anthony Watmough, Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Brent Kite, Glenn Stewart, Josh Perry and Steve Matai, who should be able to do enough to ensure they get those key wins on days all teams get when you're not playing well as a whole.

WHY THEY WON'T MAKE THE EIGHT
There are a couple of things that could bring them down. One, they have lost their halfback and captain, Matt Orford, and aren't in a position to replace him with an experienced No.7. And, two, Brett Stewart still has sexual assault charges to answer soon.


THE FAN SAYS
"The lack of an experienced halfback worries me a bit, but overall the team looks as strong as in previous years and they should make the top four going into the finals." - Anthony Coleman

THE BOOKIE SAYS
No Matt Orford and no major signing. On the cusp of the eight. $13 with TAB Sportsbet. - Glenn Munsie


ROY MASTERS SAYS
It's a big ask to expect Trent Hodkinson to be Matt Orford but since 2006 Manly have played just seven games with Orford missing and lost only one. Despite being Silvertails, they share the ball like a good socialist team, with 25 of the 26 players appearing in first grade last year scoring a try.

THE HERALD PREDICTS
Chris Barrett 9th
Glenn Jackson 7th
Roy Masters 10th
Greg Prichard 6th
Brad Walter 9th

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/your-clubs-prospects-20100308-prhl.html?rand=1268011766225

Whare no chance to play centres this year.  What's the bet that des starts with Tony Williams in the centres against the tigers and he has a shocker so that either Lyon or Foran move to the centres the next game and hodkinson comes into the side second game.

 

[lsz]

Re: ow the SMH rates out chances

Yawwwwwwwnnnnnnnn more season previews

Who predicted we would make the GF in 2007?
Who predicted the eels would make the final last year (or the storm would win it)
Who predicted the Panfers and Tigers?

A lot comes down to luck. If we are lucky with injuries we are a shout, If we are lucky through the rep season we are a shout, if we win the games like the Gold Coast and Sharks games then we are a chance

All I know is we are a lot better than most teams with one of the best coaches in the game

I am just looking forward to the ride!

 

[Chip and Chase]

Re: ow the SMH rates out chances

What's wrong with Farrar ?? Did he pick up an injury in one of the trials ? We are skinny in the centres if Lyon plays 5/8 (***waits for posts calling for young Hoppa to be given a go***)

T-Rex's defense at centre worries me, especially against opponents with speed and footwork. At least on the wing he had the sideline as his defensive friend and could only get beaten on the inside or the kick over/through. I'm worried he'll get posted inside and out, especially if he hasn't worked out a combo with a winger yet.

 

[DSM5]

Re: ow the SMH rates out chances

Just so long as both of those centres holds the line and one doesn't run up.  The Tigers delight in skipping across field with a straight running centre or winger or Marshall slicing through a gap opening when a fool runs up and out of the line.  I feel quite good about this game, especially with Brett back at the back, although I'd like to see Lyon in the centre with Hodkinson and Foran in the halves. This is probably a position too far for Des.   

 

[lsz]

Re: ow the SMH rates out chances

Farrar tore a bicep or pec doing weights well before the trials

 

[King]

Re: ow the SMH rates out chances

Just so long as both of those centres holds the line and one doesn't run up.  The Tigers delight in skipping across field with a straight running centre or winger or Marshall slicing through a gap opening when a fool runs up and out of the line.  I feel quite good about this game, especially with Brett back at the back, although I'd like to see Lyon in the centre with Hodkinson and Foran in the halves. This is probably a position too far for Des.   

Don't be supprised if Hodkinson and Lyon start the year in the halves and Foran starts in the centres. Just a whisper i heard....

 

[The Wheel]

Re: ow the SMH rates out chances

No surprise Roy Masters doesn't think that much of us, good to see he gives this site a bit of publciity as well......

 

[Cameron]

Re: ow the SMH rates out chances

i really wish roy master and warren ryan would just **** off and die already

Im sick of these too old arseclowns

 

[eagles2win]

Don't be surprised if Whare makes a debut this year. Saints fans I know are disappointed that he didn't stay there and many have said that he would have been playing top grade there if he stayed at the Dragons.

 

[DSM5]

King, that combination would delight me.  It seems to me that Matai and Big Tony might be a little slow to turn and chase, and a bit slow between the ears as well.  I'd feel better if Jamie or Foran stood at centre.  They both have defensive smarts, especially Lyon. 
Cambo, that would delight me too.  I can't believe Masters is still paid to comment.  Just how long is it since he had a part in the real game?  Must be twenty years at least.  He and Ryan are living proof that old tired guys have way to much influence in the great game.         

 

[Andrew..]

i really wish roy master and warren ryan would just F**k off and die already

Im sick of these too old arseclowns

Could not have said it better myself....
Just a thought can anyone remember whether Tony Williams and Brett Stewart were ever on the paddock at the same time last year?

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Spot on C & C

"T-Rex's defense at centre worries me, especially against opponents with speed and footwork. At least on the wing he had the sideline as his defensive friend and could only get beaten on the inside or the kick over/through. I'm worried he'll get posted inside and out, especially if he hasn't worked out a combo with a winger yet."

Worries the hell out of me too, I can see a mile of try's scored through him.

Maybe, just maybe they have done a LOT of work on him, but for me (given the size of the guy) he'sbeen a huge dissapointment and I cannot see him getingh any better!!!

 

[Central Coast Eagle]

I really like the fact that all the "experts" are writing us off. I don't know where we will finish this year, but I do know we will enjoy being under the radar again.

 

[Matabele]

Who the hell is Anthony Coleman?

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Who the hell is Anthony Coleman?

Where did he come into the picture???

By the way Matas your old mate Lulu seems to have dropped off!!!

 

[PONTIAN SEA EAGLE]

King, that combination would delight me.  It seems to me that Matai and Big Tony might be a little slow to turn and chase, and a bit slow between the ears as well.  I'd feel better if Jamie or Foran stood at centre.  They both have defensive smarts, especially Lyon.   
Cambo, that would delight me too.  I can't believe Masters is still paid to comment.  Just how long is it since he had a part in the real game?  Must be twenty years at least.  He and Ryan are living proof that old tired guys have way to much influence in the great game.         

Both can't tackle either, all of a sudden centres have become a major problem i hope i'm wrong.

 

[Matabele]

[quote author=Matabele link=topic=182564.msg253653#msg253653 date=1268041201]
Who the hell is Anthony Coleman?

Where did he come into the picture???

By the way Matas your old mate Lulu seems to have dropped off!!!
[/quote] Anthony Coleman provides the "fan view".

Lulu is no loss.  Manly doesn't need juvenile fans like that.

 

[Guest]

Who the hell is Anthony Coleman?

Jonathan's brother

 

[ManlyBacker]

Wests Tigers v Manly, Sydney Football Stadium, Monday 7pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator says: "Some are suggesting a fall from grace this season for the Sea Eagles. On the contrary, I see only good times for a club now free from the shackles of overrated Matt Orford. The Tigers, on the other hand, have pilfered a team from competing codes, rival clubs and foreign countries and just expect it all to come together in the opening round. I don't think so. The Tigers have never been known for hitting their straps early, and year after year they consistently underwhelm their adoring fans. Monday Night Football at the SFS should provide a great stage for their first disappointment of the season."

Looks like DSM is now moonlighting as a hack for the Tele....

 

[DSM5]

Do you disagree with the analysis ManlyBacker?