Pre-Game Panthers v Manly [Round 6, 2023]

[Mitch]

I agree. I read @Jethro s informative weekly roundups each week. And he makes it known where he gets his injury info. And Saab has been listed as a mid season by our medicos and the NRL medical team. Then up he pops in the run-on side for round 6. Somethings not right imo. Either Siebs is playing Dessie mind games, and Ray- Ray will grab the spot at the last minute OR he is bringing him back early against the defending Premiers. It could (hopefully) turn out to be a master stroke by Seibs and the coaching and medical staff/ or it could back fire in an inglorious shiit show? GMF.

I spoke with him at the Fan Day and he said he was tracking much earlier than expected. Last week he was given medical clearance to return to play, which is completely independent of coaching staff etc. Whilst potentially he could have come back via NSW Cup (same associated risks), all boxes have been ticked, he's not coming back pre-maturely mate.

 

[wombatgc]

We need a big game from DCE in which he allows Schuster to get the ball and times his injection. We need the right decisions made on and off the field to win this one.

That ball that Johnson thru to Curran cutting thru the defence like a freight train is something I’d love Shu to do with Ola. That pass was timed to perfection.

 

[wombatgc]

I spoke with him at the Fan Day and he said he was tracking much earlier than expected. Last week he was given medical clearance to return to play, which is completely independent of coaching staff etc. Whilst potentially he could have come back via NSW Cup (same associated risks), all boxes have been ticked, he's not coming back pre-maturely mate.

As always, your info has always been 100%. Well, that is great news. I’ll just have to go and pack all my conspiracy theories away for the time being.

 

[wombatgc]

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned or highlighted before now , but I love the big game day countdown clock.

 

[manly al]

I understand where you're coming from @ manly al but a versatile #14 shouldn't be underestimated or thought less of a starting role these days.

Mitch Aubusson had a pretty handy career out it - you wouldn't say he was the best centre, 5/8, lock or 2nd rower going around but he was always in the 17 for a pretty competitive football team.

Walker left us to go to the Warriors as a specialist 14.

Regardless of what people personally think of him, Mbye has also had a pretty handy career as a 14 and a Mr Fixit.
Kurt Mann is making a pretty good fist of the 14
Tyrone Peachey is holding down that spot at the Premiers.
These players above ( apart from Aubusson) left their original clubs for most likely more $$ and the opportunity to play their favoured position/s; with that came expectation to deliver and have since moved on again only to carve out pretty solid careers as....#14's.

How Seibs and Co evolve a role for Weekes will be interesting to see, there might be times where Schu might cover a forward sub and Weekes slots into 6, there's lots of possibilities to keep him interested I feel.

Really worthwhile assessment as well . Just two main factors influencing my outlook and guess unsurprisingly in regard to Weekes, one for the team "s sake to have the best shot at getting wins and the prospect of losing him if he sees his opportunity for a more permanent position elsewhere . Realize that that would revolve around putting him ahead of Harper now and eventually Brad . assuming the Shu will be holding down the 6 role for some time yet but that may become the reality soon . just don "t see him as a longer term fill in or short interval 9 . Maybe one scenario if Weekes were to have a shot in the centres , Parker could have that utility role on the bench . .

 

[StuBoot]

Can’t play Myers

We could use Veaga and then play Garrick, I’ll give you that one.

I'm sorry, I've seen nothing in Veaga that says he's an upgrade on Harper.
Let alone move our LEFT winger to RIGHT centre, why weaken that side?

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I'm sorry, I've seen nothing in Veaga that says he's an upgrade on Harper.
Let alone move our LEFT winger to RIGHT centre, why weaken that side?

Good point , I’m happy ( not excited ) with what they’ve done , don’t know they can do much better at this point.

 

[manly al]

I often think about “ the different take” on things , we all pile on to an issue on here ( not really knowing the true story ) but who’s to say that’s right.

Also not saying the alternative view is right either , it’s just another scenario that could be taking place.

It’s a bit like the Aaron Woods deal , “
Why oh why would we sign a hasbeen”, when my alternative view is “ he was offered instead of a transfer fee “ ( meaning he cost us zilch ).

None of us really know , but I like to think about other versions of the story that could be equally as true as the one most fans jump on.

just to provide the side with the best chance of winning and that he is a better proposition at present then Harper , Naturally and certainly would not profess to having a better take then the coaching line up but just have an underlying concern that quite soon or in future seasons and if Weekes is lost to another club , a repeat of Nicko Hynes now carving up or giving his opposition a hard time . Weekes does have many of his characteristics , probably a bit quicker of the mark and overall speed , a good passing game and overall good footy instincts . And for the sake of persevering with Harper now , But then there is Fletcher Myers 's potential to take into account also but losing Weekes would be a set back for the club as he can play in multiple positions apart from his excellent natural ability .

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

just to provide the side with the best chance of winning and that he is a better proposition at present then Harper , Naturally and certainly would not profess to having a better take then the coaching line up but just have an underlying concern that quite soon or in future seasons and if Weekes is lost to another club , a repeat of Nicko Hynes now carving up or giving his opposition a hard time . Weekes does have many of his characteristics , probably a bit quicker of the mark and overall speed , a good passing game and overall good footy instincts . And for the sake of persevering with Harper now , But then there is Fletcher Myers 's potential to take into account also but losing Weekes would be a set back for the club as he can play in multiple positions apart from his excellent natural ability .

We’ve been short in the centre position for a while now, Parker isn’t going to lose you game , but isn’t going to win many either.

Koula is obviously a superstar in the making.

But we are still short one and a good depth behind them.

 

[jbb/james]

I see what you're up to! Give him 15 one week, next week 20, then 25 ... next minute !!!!

you gotta try hey....
but
even spell the great man and let weeks run the team for a bit. worth keeping

the next 18 months with DCE, schuster, , weeks, humphries, fainu its a log jam. need to see who we keep becuase we dont keep them all.........just cant

we are short at 9 and the log jammin is a commin.

plan ahead while reviewing the talent. seeing how the team responds to a different link man

 

[The Wheel]

Player Media: Daly Cherry-Evans

Manly Captain Daly Cherry-Evans talks about the lessons learnt from the Knights match to taking on the Panthers this Saturday.

www.seaeagles.com.au

 

[maxta]

A real opportunity to really aim up in the guts, as we have improved this area and Penrith have definitely gone backwards and missing key outs to help us more.
The work ethos of their wingers is massive and To'o is a freak who needs to be contained.
Out wide they still have Crazy strike power and if we are not able to match the middle, will get ugly quickly.
Thing is, I reckon we will be right in this 1 and would be the perfect scalp to build a season on.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

A real opportunity to really aim up in the guts, as we have improved this area and Penrith have definitely gone backwards and missing key outs to help us more.
The work ethos of their wingers is massive and To'o is a freak who needs to be contained.
Out wide they still have Crazy strike power and if we are not able to match the middle, will get ugly quickly.
Thing is, I reckon we will be right in this 1 and would be the perfect scalp to build a season on.

It certainly would be something wouldn’t it!!

 

[double hoops]

After last week's lack luster effort our forwards get no sympathy from me.
I just wish someone got dropped. Slacken off and pay the consequences.

Note I think we'd be wise to rotate as well. It's a long tough season. Being a little less beat up come September matters.

 

[ManlyTragic]

After last week's lack luster effort our forwards get no sympathy from me.
I just wish someone got dropped. Slacken off and pay the consequences.

Note I think we'd be wise to rotate as well. It's a long tough season. Being a little less beat up come September matters.

Yeah .. they even do that in cricket and it’s non contact ( assuming you don’t get hit in the head by the ball)

Just sayin’

 

[Fibro Eagle]

Tough game this one , Panthers haven’t hit top gear yet , Manly going ok
A few injuries but nothing too bad yet
Saab coming back will be interesting how he defends that side as with tippy being caught out a few times coming in from the wing
Schuster back will help Manly’s attack
Forwards need to aim up for the full 80
If they get a win well and good but if they loose and it’s close will show how this years team will shape up for the year

 

[Uber Eagle 72]

We will know a lot more about how we are tracking after this game.

 

[Hibyemama]

Saab can be the legs that Turbo utilise, setting up saab like he did in 2021.
whilst turbo was in full sprint mode in 2021, i think he is been smarter in 2023 and is more a field marshall -general now on the battlefield. Turbo can read the game exceptionally well, like snake use to. I would expect to see Saab running into gaps created by tom this week

 

[double hoops]

First game back from a major injury.
Am I mistaken or wasn't he due back mid season? So this way early? Is he ready? Or with Tippytoes, Burbo, Koula out, also meaning Parker and Harper are playing in the centres and also not wing options. Has our one legged Saab been tapped on the shoulder to come back before he is ready!
Are peeps really expecting SAAB to just be back like nothings ever happened?
I hope he does.

 

[Eagles4Life]

This team made the Preliminary Final in 2021

Team One
Tom Trbojevic
Jason Saab
Brad Parker
Morgan Harper
Reuben Garrick
Kieran Foran *
Daly Cherry-Evans
Josh Aloiai
Lachlan Croker
Sean Keppie
Haumole Olakau'atu
Josh Schuster
Jake Trbojevic
Martin Taupau *
Dylan Walker *
Karl Lawton
Taniela Paseka

Is there any reason that the team below cannot make a Preliminary Final in 2023?

Team Two
T. Trbojevic
J. Saab
B. Parker
M. Harper
R. Garrick
J. Schuster
D. Cherry-Evans
T. Paseka
L. Croker
J. Trbojevic
H. Olakau'atu
K. Tuilagi *
J. Aloiai
K. Weekes *
K. Lawton
E. Bullemor *
S. Keppie

Particularly when we replace Harper with Koula, and have GCKT on the bench with S Fainu

Team Three
T. Trbojevic
J. Saab
B. Parker
T. Koula
R. Garrick
J. Schuster
D. Cherry-Evans
T. Paseka
L. Croker
J. Trbojevic
H. Olakau'atu
K. Tuilagi
K. Lawton

G Chan Kum Tong
E. Bullemor
S. Fainu
J. Aloiai

K. Weekes

*Players underlined in Team One left the club at the end of 2022. Players underlined in Team Two were their replacements in 2023.

Team Two is our lineup for this weekend against the Panthers.....

Are the Panthers of today the same as the GF-winning Panthers of 2021? It's pretty obvious they are not, when comparing the 2021 GF team to the team we are playing this Easter weekend. There are only nine survivors (underlined below) from the 2021 team playing on Monday, and of that nine only four forwards (that includes all the bench forwards as well) Our Monday team has only three changes (underlined below) from the team that made the Preliminary Final in the same year (All forwards, and arguably all improvements on the player we lost).

I would like to think we could actually shock a few people on Monday.
Stranger things have happened in the NRL. Go Manly.

1. Dylan EDWARDS
2. Stephen CRICHTON
3. Paul MOMIROVSKI
4. Matt BURTON
5. Brian TO'O
6. Jarome LUAI
7. Nathan CLEARY (c)
8. Moses LEOTA
9. Apisai KOROISAU
10. James FISHER-HARRIS
11. Viliame KIKAU
12. Kurt CAPEWELL
13. Isaah YEO (c)

14. Tyrone MAY
15. Scott SORENSEN
16. Spencer LENIU
17. Liam MARTIN

#	Player	Player	#
1	D. Edwards	T. Trbojevic	1
2	S. Turuva	J. Saab	2
3	I. Tago	B. Parker	3
4	S. Crichton	M. Harper	4
5	B. To'o	R. Garrick	5
6	J. Luai	J. Schuster	6
7	N. Cleary	D. Cherry-Evans	7
8	M. Leota	T. Paseka	8
9	M. Kenny	L. Croker	9
10	M. Eisenhuth	J. Trbojevic	10
11	S. Sorensen	H. Olakau'atu	11
12	Z. Hosking	K. Tuilagi	12
13	I. Yeo	J. Aloiai	13
14	S. Luke	K. Weekes	14
15	L. Smith	K. Lawton	15
16	S. Leniu	E. Bullemore	16
17	J. Salmon	S. Keppie	17