Depending on Brent's continued good form in 2009 i'd reckon Craig Bellamy will have changed his view on Brent Kite - he'd be picked for the origin side somewhere in the 17 if the side was picked today surely. Additionally Glen Stewart is a massive chance for a blue debut. As for the rest of the Manly chances, It's likely that the aformentioned two could be Manly's only Blue reps in 09 regardless of form or history.
Bellamy showed his hand with Kurt Gidley at the back, he doesn't appear to be a fan of Brett Stewart's style and ended up wasting him on the bench, don't be surprised if Stewart is helping out his club at origin time. Tony Minichiello, he'll need a dead set miracle.
Matt Orford's marquee years have been 2007 & 2008 yet the selectors blew the chance to add his experience in the rep clutch, instead, going for the kids at number seven in a gladiators battle. In that time Matt has guided his club through crunch semifinals, reaching the the GF twice and holding the trophy at full time last season. I can't see the selectors ever going for Matty Orford if they haven't already.
Let's be honest, guys like Whatmough, Perry and Lyon aren't favourites with state selectors either, while David Williams needs to carry on the form of 2008 to have any chance at an Origin start. Jack Elsegood had an exciting debut season but after injury in his 2nd year, his form varied from excellent to missing after that. There's plenty for David Williams to do before he gets selected.
On Menzies and Bell. The loss of a legend is always hard to cover for, and I'm also referring to where the Sea Eagles will miss the Beaver off the field. Manly's player depth to cover their 2008 personel losses however are as good as any.
I remember the slack jawed chirps about losing Ben Kennedy and then pushing away the indispensable Michael Monaghan, but people forget the legacy they leave behind, and the succession plans that have followed - it's led to Grand Final appearances and a premiership.
I don't think any right minded person could ever clearly say "such and such" team is going to win the competition in 2009, however Manly across the park in comparison to other club rosters (and barring an injury catastrophe) look like a top four team. From this position, the reigning Premiers will have a red hot deluxe chance to defend their crown.
