As buzzwords go “tradition” is without doubt one of the many who tends to get thrown out greater than it must within the NRL.
However one small element at Manly’s trial recreation on Gosford suggests the taking part in group is tighter than ever as they appear to bounce again from final yr’s disappointment of lacking the finals.
Sunday’s unofficial conflict in opposition to Souths wasn’t a part of the pre-season problem which was mirrored within the squads with each groups resting most of their stars.
However that didn’t cease Tom and Jake Trbojevic, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans and greater than a dozen different first-graders from cheering on their teammates whereas additionally taking images with the followers who made the journey north.
It’s a small factor nevertheless it reveals how tight the group is below coach Anthony Seibold.
“We didn’t have the yr that we wished to when it comes to the end on the ladder, however there was lots of work carried out on the way in which we’re connecting off the sphere,” Cherry-Evans stated.
“It’s at all times a piece in progress with that stuff, however you possibly can inform there lots of people who genuinely care about one another.
“What you noticed on Sunday was a mirrored image of the happiness and pleasure inside the group for the time being.”
Whereas Cherry-Evans missed the sport and is unlikely to face the Roosters on Saturday, he was impressed by halves accomplice Luke Brooks who arrange three first-half tries within the 68-6 rout.
“He’s an aesthetic participant, he’s an skilled participant,” he stated.
“Regardless of what the previous couple of years have appeared like for him, he’s proven he’s a real first-grader.
“You don’t play 200 NRL video games with it being a fluke.”
Brooks was simply completely happy to play after a prolonged pre-season at his new membership, with the veteran half determined to finish his finals drought with a crew boasting a few of the greatest attacking weapons on this planet.
“The pre-season feels very lengthy so that you’re excited to get on the market and play footy,” he stated.
“It was the primary time for me pulling on the Manly jersey so it was thrilling.
“We’ve acquired lots of expertise in our backbone and nice high quality gamers, so that enables me to play my recreation.
“I’m trying ahead to taking part in alongside these guys in an precise recreation.”
Brooks laid on two tries for Ben Trbojevic who shone within the again row and is battling it out with Josh Schuster for a beginning spot.
Trbojevic scored three tries within the first half simply days after he signed a contract extension, with the younger gun able to make a reputation for himself after spending years being known as Tom and Jake’s youthful brother.
“I believe (he’s feeling extra snug in his position) and that takes time for individuals to develop that,” Tom stated.
“I believe he’s beginning to realise how he can assist this footy crew, and we’ve seen that in the way in which that he’s coaching as a result of he’s top-of-the-line trainers who works actually exhausting at his recreation.”
The again row isn’t the one place up for grabs with Ray Vaega placing his hand up for the left wing spot after he bagged a double on Sunday.
New recruits Jaxson Paulo and Tommy Talau are additionally within the combine.
“I believed he was actually good,” Seibold stated.
“It’s one spot the place there’s an actual competitors for spots with Jaxson, Ray and in addition Tommy Talau.
“Jason Saab has clearly acquired the proper wing place nailed with Tolu (Koula) and Reuben (Garrick) within the centres, so there’s one place which these three guys are combating for.
“We wish real competitors for spots, and that place is up for grabs, as is the left-edge again row.”
Initially printed as ‘We wish real competitors for spots’: Two beginning spots but to be resolved at Manly, Sea Eagles present tight bond in Gosford
