Five talking topics for the Sea Eagles in 2024 as a handy reference
If the Sea Eagles want to return to September action, they must have a full season from their superstar No. 1 and a devastating season from their new No. 6. They have only made the finals three times in the previous nine years.
An outburst and dismissal Manly’s hopes of winning the championship are still dependent on Tom Trbojevic, but Luke Brooks’ arrival provides a completely different offensive option that may allow speedsters Tolu Koula, Jason Saab, and Reuben Garrick to go on the rampage.
The Sea Eagles’ main talking points as they begin the 2024 preseason are examined by NRL.com.
Maintaining “Turbo”‘s driving
Due to a horrific injury streak, Trbojevic has only appeared in 18 of the Sea Eagles’ 48 games since earning the Dally M Medal in 2021.
Although it would be incorrect to refer to Manly as a one-man show, Turbo’s value to the club cannot be overstated, both in terms of his incredible abilities and the assurance he instills in other players.
When he steps up in the center, the 27-year-old is like an additional forward, taking a hard carry when his side needs it or exposing weary defenders in the ruck.
Fans of the Sea Eagles will be crossing their fingers and toes, hoping that their star player can have a season free of injuries and return the team to the championship game after two years off.
Is Josh Schuster able to reach his full potential?
When Schuster is on, he can win games for Manly by himself thanks to his immense talent and self-confidence, but he also has a propensity to lose interest in games. Schuster can concentrate on his role as a game changer and difference maker as DCE and Luke Brooks are in charge of everything.
It’s time for the 22-year-old to fulfill his mid-year declaration that “I know what I’m capable of and I believe I can be the best player in the game one day.”
If he succeeds, Schuster will become a cult figure at Brookie and the Sea Eagles will dominate in 2024.
Seibs avoided the second-year blues.
When Manly finished second after eight games in 2023, it was evident that new coach Anthony Seibold’s message was hitting home with his team.
The momentum was halted by losses to the Titans, Broncos, and Sharks in their following three games, and they were left reeling in Origin Two after Tom Trbojevic suffered a pectoral injury that ended his season.
Seibold has strengthened Manly’s backline with speedsters Tommy Talau and Jaxson Paulo, and strengthened his pack with Aitasi James and Corey Waddell.
With a fair amount of luck with injuries, he should be able to get Manly back to the finals. saw September action with the Broncos and led Souths to a preliminary final in his first season in charge in 2018; hence, he is aware of what it takes.
Can Luke Brooks play in the finals at last?
With Daly Cherry-Evans, one of the true pros in the game, by his side, Brooks can break free from the burden of leading the struggling Wests Tigers team. Despite having played 205 games, Brooks has never participated in finals footy.
However, that might all change when he teams up with a player who has experience winning major games like Origins, Grand Finals, and Tests. Brooks is 28 years old.
If Brooks settles into a routine early in the season and gains confidence, he may experience a career rebirth much to that of Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson’s incredible 2023 campaign.
Can Manly’s front group compete with the heavy hitters?
Manly’s fleet of footmen will need to be operating at maximum capacity in the engine room if they are to amass tries at the same pace as they did in 2021. Enter Jake Trbojevic, Taniela Paseka, and new recruit Aitasi James.
In terms of meters gained and post-contact meters in 2023, the Sea Eagles were far down the ladder, as Daly Cherry-Evans was frequently on the defensive and kicking from deep within his own territory.
Paseka was good for 139 meters per game the previous season, and Trbojevic will put up his hand all day for the hard carries, but they’ll need James to settle in fast to support them.
“Aitasi reminds me of Junior Tatola from the Tigers when he moved to South Sydney.”
When Manly signed the 22-year-old, Seibold stated, “He is a similar type of player and has a similar body shape.”
“He already possesses that potential. We are providing him with a means to attempt realizing that potential.
Nathan Brown, who joined the team on a train and trial deal, may be the other X-factor. When healthy, the 30-year-old may be a valuable asset for Manly off the bench .
