The Manly Pack in 2019

[maxta]

These re signings shows good faith and belief by Des and the Manly staff in AFB and Paseka and add the chat with Kapow to ensure he feels wanted as our key destroyer....
Some big boppers who can power with the best.
A sprinkle of Des aggression, particularly with the added old school Manly feel from trainers and staff should give that dominance and belief that's been lacking in recent times.
Kapow and AFB can lead this pack with brute strength and there are plenty of others I feel will lift in 2019 under the new regime, in a pack that often paved a decent platform that could well go to a new level.
No doubt there are plenty of questions about the back line, but this pack has the potential to keep Manly in the contest once it gets into rhythm.....just need 1 or 2 surprise packets with the recruits and youngsters like young Waddell and watch out.
Also expect young Fainu to really find his feet and add plenty off the bench.
Keep in mind Sirro who was mostly absent in 2018 is almost like a new signing and will not only add more attacking options, but steel on the edges where we were torn apart in his absence.

Whats the thoughts on this 2019 pack....is it up for the task to compete with the best packs ??

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

It’s not the pack I’m worried about!

 

[Briza]

Our pack fully fit matches any in the NRL!

 

[brad]

It’s not the pack I’m worried about!

I recon Hasler has someone lined up .

 

[Frogz]

It’s not the pack I’m worried about!

Yep doesn't seem to be a lot between the 1 and 6 and that could get weaker once Walker has his day

 

[The Who]

On paper I'd say Souffs and Easts have the strongest pack.
We'd be in the top eight. We have lost our leading scorer for 2018, Penny, and will be banking on improvements from all the others.
Any optimism we have is based on DESpicable being a miracle worker. It's better than having no optimism I suppose.

 

[Chip and Chase]

Same cattle as this year, minus Lane. We didn't exactly dominate opposition sides this season, but in fairness we didn't have many games at full strength as Sirro, Tangles and Api spent long stints injured

I think we have the core of a good pack, might be one or two players short on depth still though. What I want to see next year is more aggression and commitment in defence, we were embarrassingly soft this season.

There's some talent in the starting 6 so I'm keen to see what Des has in mind for a game plan. Barrett didn't really get the best out of our pack, there's definitely room for improvement

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

On paper I'd say Souffs and Easts have the strongest pack.

Storm too.
Sharks still have plenty of experience despite Lewis retiring.
Panthers have plenty of forward talent.
St Merge also, despite the cloud over whats-his-name.
Cows have some decent forwards too.
Oh, and Bongos have plenty of forward talent coming through...

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Yep doesn't seem to be a lot between the 1 and 6 and that could get weaker once Walker has his day

Provided Walker is cleared...I think we’ve got a good backline. Just gotta teach everybody to defend & we play finals...I’m certain of it.
1.Turbo
2.Taufua
3.Suli
4.Walker
5.Hopoate
6.Elgey
7.DCE

 

[Freagle]

Agree with some of the above - our pack is one of the best in the comp at rolling downfield, we make great metres with AFB and Taupau...but moving backwards in defence is where we got hammered last year, too many times torn apart up the middle of the ruck, then spread the ball wide and our backs crumbled. Des won’t cop that, he’ll have them fitter and more focused on being ready to tackle.

 

[manly al]

.Really need Siro to put in a relatively injury free and solid season . Also very helpful to try and get back that ' hunting as a pack ' mentality that served really well so many previous Des Manly coached sides . The expectation should be that the present Manly forward line up can go well , just how well is up to them no doubt . Looking good at the moment however .

 

[Ryan]

Quality wise:

Forward pack is near the top in the league.
Backline is outright dead last in the league.

 

[southsideeagle]

A good pack can help to carry a backline. A good backline cant carry a pack. I think we will do ok.

 

[Heckenberg]

.Really need Siro to put in a relatively injury free and solid season . Also very helpful to try and get back that ' hunting as a pack ' mentality that served really well so many previous Des Manly coached sides . The expectation should be that the present Manly forward line up can go well , just how well is up to them no doubt . Looking good at the moment however .

They must have some faith that his injuries were relatively unlucky and not constant if they have resigned him for more years. Really hoping he comes into his own this year as he has so much promise

 

[brad]

Quality wise:

Forward pack is near the top in the league.
Backline is outright dead last in the league.

Stop jumping the gun .

 

[BOZO]

I have faith that all our backs and forwards will go up another level in intensity and all players will function better as a team . That alone will improve our disgraceful 2018 season.
Games are also won in the mind and we have a tougher mindset coach than we did with CoCo boy .
Under CoCo boy his boys showed no resilience on the field what so ever . Under CoCo boy his boys were very submissive when the going got tough and the pathetic results were for all with eyes to see what an affect CoCo boy had on his boys on the field. .
They say attitude is everything and we have everything to play for under Des
I never felt so positive for a long , long time .
Bring 2019 on !!!

 

[Midnight Rambler]

I never felt so positive for a long , long time .
Bring 2019 on !!!

Mmm...me too.

 

[BOZO]

Mmm...me too.

Happy new year to you too feathered friend 😉

 

[sheridanstand78]

What the pack must do is dominate the ruck because that is a serial weakness in our team over the last 4 years. We need solid go forward to give our halves a chance. Hopefully the fitness levels ensure that our pack does not run out of juice and the defence concedes points as a result.

 

[The Who]

Provided Walker is cleared...I think we’ve got a good backline. Just gotta teach everybody to defend & we play finals...I’m certain of it.
1.Turbo
2.Taufua
3.Suli
4.Walker
5.Hopoate
6.Elgey
7.DCE

Hopoate hasn't even played Under 20s, has he? There is no way he'll be ready for 1st grade for at least one season.
Funa and Anderson may get a run this season, and I'd suspect that Sandwich will be given the first chance to be a first grade centre or winger.