Manly finally shed their reputation as flat-track bullies with an impressive 2024 season. In previous years, the Sea Eagles had developed a frustrating habit of racking up big scores against lowly teams but losing to the better sides in the league. But under Anthony Seibold, they won six and lost three games against teams that made the finals - a big improvement. And had Tom Trbojevic not suffered an untimely injury late in the season, they may well have gone further than the second week of the finals. The campaign ended in tears with a 40-point hiding from the Roosters - but it was a year with plenty of positives and has laid the foundations for a big season in 2025. The addition of three battle-hardened veterans to the pack - Jazz Tevaga (Warriors), Michael Chee Kam (Rabbitohs) and Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans) - adds strength and depth up front. And it is the one thing the Sea Eagles needed - they let in too many cheap points up the middle last season - of the teams in the finals, only the Cowboys conceded more. Strike power is Manly's trump card - in Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Lehi Hopoate, Tolu Koula, Reuben Garrick and Tommy Talau, they have the pace out wide to worry any team. Halves pairing Luke Brooks and Daly Cherry-Evans - the NRL's senior citizen - are masters at giving their outside men time and space. Manly were one of only five clubs to break the 600-point barrier last season and there's no reason to think the points won't flow again - provided you-know-who (Trbojevic) stays healthy.
2025 gains - Joey Walsh (rugby union), Jazz Tevaga (Warriors), Michael Chee Kam (Rabbitohs), Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans), Chris Patolo (Bulldogs), D'Jazirhae Pua'avase (Cowboys).
2025 losses - Karl Lawton (Cowboys), Jamie Humphreys (Rabbitohs), Brad Parker (retired), Aaron Woods (retired), Ben Condon (unsigned), Jaxson Paulo (Cowboys).
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