I was wondering the other day about what, if anything, defines 'the Manly Sea Eagles playing style'.
Styles change over the years, partly as the game evolves, and partly due to the particular attributes of playing personnel from time to time. In my mind, exciting backline play has frequently been a feature over the decades. But equally we have been known for great forward strength.
I concluded that the Manly style could be defined by two characteristics: a full-on, never-say-die attitude; and a very positive approach to the game.
Both those things come back to club culture, in my assessment. In our case, the club's culture obviously involves a commitment to striving for success, each and every year. More than that (I would like to think) it equally involves a commitment to achieving that success within the rules and the spirit of the game.
Our results over time have proved our approach is successful. In fact, in terms of team spirit and camaraderie, have we ever been in a healthier position than we have over the past few years? Take a bow Geoff Toovey, and Hasler before him, and the others involved in setting the tone for team spirit year to year.
Manly's positive culture is unparalled in the NRL. From year to year there are plenty of teams with quality rosters that don't quite produce the goods. Club culture, translating to team culture, is obviously a key ingredient every time.
Oh, and if anyone thinks maintaining a positive team mind-set is a simple thing to achieve, just check out current stories from the NFL around locker-room bullying, hazing, and 'toughening up men for a man's game'.
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/11/08/nfl-picks-week-10-miami-dolphins-bullying-case-casts-ugly-shadow-on-extravagant-league/
Styles change over the years, partly as the game evolves, and partly due to the particular attributes of playing personnel from time to time. In my mind, exciting backline play has frequently been a feature over the decades. But equally we have been known for great forward strength.
I concluded that the Manly style could be defined by two characteristics: a full-on, never-say-die attitude; and a very positive approach to the game.
Both those things come back to club culture, in my assessment. In our case, the club's culture obviously involves a commitment to striving for success, each and every year. More than that (I would like to think) it equally involves a commitment to achieving that success within the rules and the spirit of the game.
Our results over time have proved our approach is successful. In fact, in terms of team spirit and camaraderie, have we ever been in a healthier position than we have over the past few years? Take a bow Geoff Toovey, and Hasler before him, and the others involved in setting the tone for team spirit year to year.
Manly's positive culture is unparalled in the NRL. From year to year there are plenty of teams with quality rosters that don't quite produce the goods. Club culture, translating to team culture, is obviously a key ingredient every time.
Oh, and if anyone thinks maintaining a positive team mind-set is a simple thing to achieve, just check out current stories from the NFL around locker-room bullying, hazing, and 'toughening up men for a man's game'.
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/11/08/nfl-picks-week-10-miami-dolphins-bullying-case-casts-ugly-shadow-on-extravagant-league/