Anthony Seibold’s tenure at Manly has been marred by a declining roster, a situation exacerbated by recruitment manager Peter Gentle, which ultimately contributed to the team’s struggles. The upcoming six months will be crucial for the Sea Eagles, as they not only seek a new coach but also navigate a potential major roster overhaul.
To revitalise the team, a significant renovation is essential—steering clear of a complete reset. This could entail parting ways with Gentle to appoint a football director with a proven track record of success. There has been speculation about Manly’s interest in Frank Ponissi, a respected figure in the NRL who played a key role in building the Melbourne Storm. While initial signals were positive, confirmation about his involvement remains uncertain, as he reportedly has little interest in leaving Melbourne.
Under Seibold, the squad’s composition has become one-dimensional, heavily reliant on speed in the backline yet unable to compete physically when those tactics fail. Players like Jason Saab and Lehi Hopoate have been inconsistent linked to this strategy, with Saab’s retention under a well-paid contract until 2029 raising eyebrows, especially after the club has let promising young talent like Jamie Humphreys and Kaeo Weekes slip away to rival teams.
The team lacks both strong front-row presence and impactful edge forwards, exacerbated by the recruitment of aging players like Matt Lodge and Nathan Brown. The current squad offers limited potential for elevation, highlighted by untested prospects apart from 19-year-old Simione Laiafi. Should he continue progressing, he, along with others, might offer some stability, but concerns about depth remain.
A pivotal change could emerge if Jake Trbojevic were to retire. While his leadership is valued, redirecting his salary towards a more dynamic forward could significantly enhance the roster. The spine of the team—comprised of developing talents Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large—requires improved experience and support, with the experiment of Luke Brooks proving disappointing. Exploring a move to the Super League for him could be beneficial both for him and the team.
If the club can successfully transition from Saab and Brooks, combined with potential retirement moves, Manly could effectively reshape the roster in alignment with the new coach’s vision. Key acquisitions needed would include a formidable prop, a skilled second-rower, a seasoned centre, and a top-level hooker. Identifying the right long-term coach is paramount this year for the club, yet such a strategy will falter if the management continues to make poor recruitment decisions akin to those of recent times.