Manly Sea Eagles are in dire need of a transformation in the off-season if they wish to regain their status as a force in the NRL. Recently, they suffered a disappointing defeat, losing 28-8 to the Gold Coast Titans — a match they started as clear favourites despite being in last place. The Sea Eagles were at near full strength, while the Titans were missing key players, yet Manly failed to match the Titans’ enthusiasm and speed, resulting in their fourth consecutive away loss.
This season, the Sea Eagles have only managed six wins out of 14 games, leading many to question their aging and injury-prone roster. The Titans, boasting one of the fastest backlines in the league, easily capitalised on Manly’s sluggish defence, with standout performances from Alofiana Khan-Pereira, AJ Brimson, and Jayden Campbell. The Titans are now within striking distance of a finals berth, highlighting the abysmal state of Manly’s current form.
In contrast, the Dolphins have demonstrated a dramatic upturn in fortunes, showcasing their attacking prowess by defeating the Cowboys 58-4, despite missing several key players. They now lead the league in points scored and sit comfortably in sixth place, on course for their first finals appearance in their short history. Their young halves, Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima, have revitalised the team’s strategy, promising to be formidable opponents in the finals.
On the Bulldogs front, Toby Sexton delivered an impressive performance against the Rabbitohs, scoring half of the team’s points in a 24-18 victory. His actions have put pressure on coach Cameron Ciraldo to make tough decisions as the team anticipates the return of their Origin contingent.
The Roosters have also found success, with young Kiwi forward Salesi Foketi making headlines. He scored a sensational try in their match against the Knights, demonstrating the talent sourced from New Zealand, continuing the club’s tradition of recruiting exceptional players from the region.
Meanwhile, Cowboys rookie Jaxon Purdue experienced a challenging game against the Dolphins, where he struggled in defence, missing tackles that contributed to a heavy defeat. This serves as a reminder of the learning curve young players face in top-flight rugby league.
Lastly, the Dragons’ ongoing fitness issues were highlighted in their latest loss against the Sharks. After leading convincingly at half-time, they allowed the Sharks to come back, raising concerns about their ability to maintain performance levels throughout the game. With such issues, the Dragons face an uphill battle to regain composure and compete effectively.