Manly will go into 2023 with a new coach and potentially new-look side as Anthony Seibold looks to get the club back to the top after a disappointing past year rocked by injury and controversy.
The Sea Eagles have a squad on paper capable of challenging any team (see the 2021 version) when firing, but it's no surprise a lot of that hinges on the fitness of star fullback Tom Trbojevic.
Trbojevic, returning from a shoulder reconstruction in the pre-season, has been halted by a hamstring concern but should be OK for Round 1.
Off the field continuity will also be key for the side and club next year with the rainbow jersey saga an unwanted distraction that has turned their culture upside down in recent months.
With a fresh coach in, it shapes as the perfect time to start a new chapter.
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Predicted Round 1 team
- Tom Trbojevic
- Reuben Garrick
- Tolu Koula
- Brad Parker
- Christian Tuipulotu
- Cooper Johns
- Daly Cherry-Evans
- Josh Aloiai
- Lachlan Croker
- Taniela Paseka
- Haumole Ola'kauatu
- Kelma Tuilagi
- Jake Trbojevic
- Kaeo Weekes
- Sean Keppie
- Toafofoa Sipley
- Ethan Bullemor
Other: Josh Schuster (injured), Morgan Boyle (injured), Ben Condon, Morgan Harper (injured), Alec Tu’itavake (injured), Karl Lawton (injured), Jason Saab (injured), Ben Trbojevic, Ray Vaega, Viliame Fifita, Zac Fulton.
Anthony Seibold on pre-season camp
Squad watch
- Squad spots filled: 28/30
Anthony Seibold has inherited a squad of 28 players and will have little room to move on potentially targeting someone he wants before the season kicks off.
The Sea Eagles are very forward heavy in their squad but lack a specialist hooker option behind former half turned rake Lachlan Croker.
They also lack depth around their halves with Daly Cherry-Evans and Josh Schuster (who is untested) the only recognised playmakers in the squad.
Former Storm halfback Cooper Johns is a handy back-up option.
Back-rowers Kelma Tuilagi and Ben Condon arrive from rival clubs and will both be pushing for Schuster's vacant forward spot on the left edge.
Health watch
The Sea Eagles lost Josh Schuster for Round 1 due to a calf injury but he's expected to return after the side's bye.
Tom Trbojevic has returned from a two-week stint in the US and is on track to play against Canterbury.
The Sea Eagles finished last year with a heavy injury toll and that looks set to continue into the pre-season with several players either recovering or rehabbing their setbacks over the summer.
Jason Saab (knee) and Karl Lawton (knee) continue with their recovery following ACL injuries.
Morgan Boyle (foot) had more surgery in the off-season after a luckless 2022 campaign but has been re-signed for a further year.
Unsure but enthusiastic: Trbojevic jets off for USA recovery
Most contentious position
The departure of Kieran Foran gives Josh Schuster his big chance to cement the five-eighth spot at the club but if the move doesn't pay off early, there will be pressure on Anthony Seibold with what to do next.
Schuster sacrificed a World Cup appearance with Samoa to get himself into shape to make the No.6 jersey his own but as highlighted above, there is minimal depth in the halves in the current squad if it doesn't work out.
The rest of the 17 should be fairly straight forward, although Dylan Walker's exit to the Warriors also leaves Seibold with a decision to make around the bench make-up.
Ben Trbojevic could be an option here, or Karl Lawton, who will be eased back into the competition after rupturing his ACL in 2022.
Biggest strength
Any side led by Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic in it at the same time will lift to another level regardless of who is in the team.
For as long as the pair are on the field together, everything else around them should flow.
Both players, particularly Trbojevic, help players around them go to another level and their combination around the ruck is a constant worry for the opposition.
The Sea Eagles are strong in the middle and on the edges which should give DCE and Trbojevic the ability to work their magic.
Biggest question mark
How reliant can a team be on one or two players, specifically Tom Trbojevic?
The side showed without Turbo that Reuben Garrick is a worthy replacement, but Manly's woes off-field cancelled out anything good on it towards the end of the 2022 season.
If the club can get their back house in good order over the summer then at least it will give the players a chance to band together under the fresh mind of Seibold to shock a few in 2023.
With not a lot of pressure on them next season, it could be a chance for Manly to either hit back or finish where many believe they will in 2023 - outside the top eight.
Trial information
- February 10: Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs at Central Coast Stadium
- February 17: Sea Eagles v Roosters at Central Coast Stadium