The Sea Eagles enter a new era in 2026 with the departure of long-term captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
Leaving for the Roosters after 15 seasons with Manly, DCE's absence will justifiably take some time for fans to adjust to - let alone the team on the field.
New signing Jamal Fogarty has been entrusted with the reins to take Manly back into the finals, with the addition of 2025 premiership winner Kobe Hetherington boosting the forward stocks which has seen a big turnover.
Missing years of experience in the forwards with the likes of Lachlan Croker and Josh Aloiai both medically retired and Toafofoa Sipley and Jazz Tevaga heading to England, the opportunity has been presented for players to level up.
Ethan Bullemor has been a reliable performer for many seasons and will get the chance to be a real leader in the pack, while fellow Central Queensland product Hetherington looks set to make his mark at his new club.
Given the balance of the squad, there will also be some players who will likely need to fill in at unfamiliar positions.
Anthony Seibold's options for hooker in particular are quite limited, with only youngster Jake Simpkin, former Rooster Zach Dockar-Clay and unheralded Zaidas Muagututia listed as recognised dummy half players.
However, they are looking strong in their backline, with the speed of Jason Saab and Tolutau Koula set to be an important attacking weapon for the team.
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Best 17
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Ethan Bullemor
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Ben Trbojevic
12. Haumole Olakau'atu
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Joey Walsh
15. Taniela Paseka
16. Jake Trbojevic
17. Nathan Brown
