None of the top 17 squad did that slogfest. I was hoping to see Schu melt off a few kegs doing it but alas no.To me watching all these preseason tough slog videos are as boring as watching a car chase scene that is killing time in a mainstream movie. Basically every club does their own version of the same thing which in itself tells you it is probably over-rated and over done by now.
For first time NRL players or youth players i can see the tough initiation having an impact but leave the seasoned players out of it, if the seasoned player is not hardened by now they shouldn't be in the squad or purchased to start with, let the young and inexperienced work through the grind and find their own leaders.
Nice editing at the end of episode 4, zooming in on the player showing the least amount of enthusiasm and not even performing the lunges or jumps(yes i know Brown was probably given a pass to protect the knees) then right after awarding him with the "Manly Mentality" award.(feels like the awards are going to the new/newish recruits to make them feel at home)
"Manly Mentality" "Gold Medal Preparation" "Docs Groups" such soft _ _ _ _ marketing phrases in use it almost feels like the players are being treated like school kids needing "new age" motivation techniques.
The Coaching staff come across too nice for me and a yawn when listening to them speak.
I did like seeing Brooks playing through the middle trying to play sharp, straight and square in a short structured play on offer in one of the clips.
I do get the sense Manly are focusing on being able to play at a higher intensity for longer periods with better forward penetration so we can utilize our speed in more effective ways all over the park not just out wide off lazy structured sweep plays off the back of lethargic go forward.
Remember kids "No Shoes on the mats" nice bit of humour in the editing. (i guess reading all the above you couldn't imagine me laughing at that right----i did a little)
