The Clean Out 2025 Edition

[SeaEagleRock8]

Waddells best position is groomsman at Jake's wedding. Accepting players like him in our 17 effectively means we are also rans. Simple as that.

You have correctly identified Manly as also-rans. Sad to say.
If we had no injuries (lol) we'd be a chance for top 4. As it is, with roughly average number of injuries we're now looking doubtful to even make the 8.
ie also ran
I don't blame Waddell for not being Haumole, he's an experienced back-up player. But unfortunately we've had to use him. Pretty much all season.

 

[susan]

You have correctly identified Manly as also-rans. Sad to say.
If we had no injuries (lol) we'd be a chance for top 4. As it is, with roughly average number of injuries we're now looking doubtful to even make the 8.
ie also ran
I don't blame Waddell for not being Haumole, he's an experienced back-up player. But unfortunately we've had to use him. Pretty much all season.

Waddell is the next man up after Burbot and Haumole. Ben and Haumole played most games till a few weeks ago.
He's not getting a run because we have half a dozen edge players out - he's getting a run because the roster has him as unbelievably our third best edge option AND a ****ing middle option! That's got nothing to do with injuries. Zero.

The injury excuse is a red herring The only injury of note was Paseka until Haumole went down. All the other middles are all bog average and basically the same - which one you pick is irrelevant.
If someone can tell me that selecting any combination of the very average guys below is the difference between making the top 4 or not they are delusional

Brown
Sopley
Lodge
Aloia
TKO
Waddell


In effect the only injuries of any real note are Paseka and Haumole which happened 2/3 through season.
Our backline stars have been basically played most games, better than a lot of sides. DCE and Brooks played every week outside of origin.
We are no better or worse than any othe side apart from Bunnies and using it as an excuse is exactly why we never improve.

Sorry just read your post again- we are basically agreeing 😊

 

[nightster]

Next Generation...exciting youngsters (back row l-r) Simione Laiafi, Navren Willett, Tyler Melrose; front row (l-r) Onitoni Large, Zaidas Muagututia, Joey Walsh

How many will we lose before they even get a taste?

 

[nightster]

and what of Caleb Navale, Jacob Sykes, Chris Patolo, Hugo Hart - the dude from drugcastle Bryan ?- have we signed Garner? questions questions questions, flooding the mind of the young person today

 

[XV-1]

View attachment 30877
Next Generation...exciting youngsters (back row l-r) Simione Laiafi, Navren Willett, Tyler Melrose; front row (l-r) Onitoni Large, Zaidas Muagututia, Joey Walsh

How many will we lose before they even get a taste?

All we need is a now generation coach to invest in them and make them all the best they can be.
I just hope it is with Manly

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Sorry just read your post again- we are basically agreeing 😊

lol
I always concur with myself, and every now and then someone else even agrees too! It's always quite an exciting moment for me

 

[Eagle 1]

Saab should be the first player on your list. He epitomises everything that’s bad about a Manly loss; a bit of flash followed by poor errors and a lack of footy awareness. You just know if it’s a tight game, he’s going to drop the ball in yardage, or butcher a certain try with a dodgy put down, or drop a bomb, or run into touch, or throw an arm out for a catchable pass, or run in and take air on a tackle…he added a new trick to his repertoire on Saturday…turn your back on the kicker and the player you’re marking and hope for the best.

Summed it up LC, in the Storm game he had the opportunity to call for a ball after a bomb was put up, instead, he let Lehi go for it against Coates, who never stood a chance.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

View attachment 30877
Next Generation...exciting youngsters (back row l-r) Simione Laiafi, Navren Willett, Tyler Melrose; front row (l-r) Onitoni Large, Zaidas Muagututia, Joey Walsh

How many will we lose before they even get a taste?

You know the old footy myth about mathematical possibilities? My guess is we won't see these guys until that story's over

 

[bigd1972]

and what of Caleb Navale, Jacob Sykes, Chris Patolo, Hugo Hart - the dude from drugcastle Bryan ?- have we signed Garner? questions questions questions, flooding the mind of the young person today

Been reported that Garner staying with the Riff next year.

Paul Bryan is out with shoulder injury until next year.

Out of the rest Navale and Hugo offer some youthful spirit and hope. Not sure about Sykes currently not in top 30 is about the right age for a Prop to start to deliver on promise in mid 20's. Patolo is a mystery, noticed he has not been named the last 3 weeks in cup, maybe injured?