gong_eagle
First Grade
- Messages
- 7,655
Manly have cold reminder of defeat
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tab...12/Default.aspx
If Manly players ever need reminding of the bitter taste of grand final defeat, they only have to reach for a cold one.
Sitting not-so-proudly on the top shelf of the fridge at their Narrabeen administration office is a solitary bottle with the label: "Grand Final 2007 Victory Beer" - right above the Sea Eagles logo.
Just like their 26-point loss to Melbourne, this is one ale that has proven a bit hard to swallow.
Coach Des Hasler, though, insists the Eagles aren't using the sobering 34-8 loss as motivation to go one better in 2008.
Far from suffering any hangover, Hasler on Tuesday said just making the GF was a major achievement and that the Eagles would only be stronger for the experience.
"Grand finals are hard to make and I'm sure all clubs are aware of that," Hasler said after the Eagles became the last of the 16 NRL clubs to commence training for next season.
"We've had pre-season discussions and last year's grand final hasn't even come up and next year isn't about making amends for last year.
"We've got a few newcomers that have come in and they've settled in really well. It's only early days yet, but there's some good signs there.
"We're looking forward to the start of the season, we've made a lot of (personnel) changes and we've just got to keep pushing forward now."
While the Sea Eagles' celebrations have been placed on ice, among the key additions Hasler is hoping will come to the party in 2008 are one-time NSW State of Origin prop Josh Perry, recruited from Newcastle, and former New Zealand Test star David Vaealiki, who is making his NRL return after three years with Wigan in the English Super League.
Perry, 26, was on the outer with Knights coach Brian Smith and in need of a change when Hasler snapped him up.
"He was one in our recruitment that we targeted and we're really pleased to have him aboard," Hasler said.
"It's all about competition and we think Josh can definitely add something to this side. We think he can do a lot, achieve a lot.
"He's got a long way to go. He knows that and he knows it's going to be hard, but he's up to the challenge."
Hasler said 27-year-old Vaealiki, a member of Parramatta's 2001 grand final side, would prove invaluable as a backline utility, especially during the Origin series when Manly's resources are likely to be stretched.
"He's got a wealth of experience and will certainly add to our depth," he said.
"He's a big-match player and obviously you'd like to think he would come under the scrutineers during the rep season again next year.
"It always makes it hard when the Origin time comes around, so he's just going to help that depth.
"He sees it as a challenge, he thinks he can still offer something to the NRL and we think he can offer something to this side as well."
While the Eagles are reluctant to make any bold predictions, Hasler admitted the Sea Eagles were "quite clear in what we want to do" in 2008.
No doubt that involves snaring their first premiership in more than a decade and finally having the chance to crack open a cold one.
Source: AAP
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tab...12/Default.aspx
If Manly players ever need reminding of the bitter taste of grand final defeat, they only have to reach for a cold one.
Sitting not-so-proudly on the top shelf of the fridge at their Narrabeen administration office is a solitary bottle with the label: "Grand Final 2007 Victory Beer" - right above the Sea Eagles logo.
Just like their 26-point loss to Melbourne, this is one ale that has proven a bit hard to swallow.
Coach Des Hasler, though, insists the Eagles aren't using the sobering 34-8 loss as motivation to go one better in 2008.
Far from suffering any hangover, Hasler on Tuesday said just making the GF was a major achievement and that the Eagles would only be stronger for the experience.
"Grand finals are hard to make and I'm sure all clubs are aware of that," Hasler said after the Eagles became the last of the 16 NRL clubs to commence training for next season.
"We've had pre-season discussions and last year's grand final hasn't even come up and next year isn't about making amends for last year.
"We've got a few newcomers that have come in and they've settled in really well. It's only early days yet, but there's some good signs there.
"We're looking forward to the start of the season, we've made a lot of (personnel) changes and we've just got to keep pushing forward now."
While the Sea Eagles' celebrations have been placed on ice, among the key additions Hasler is hoping will come to the party in 2008 are one-time NSW State of Origin prop Josh Perry, recruited from Newcastle, and former New Zealand Test star David Vaealiki, who is making his NRL return after three years with Wigan in the English Super League.
Perry, 26, was on the outer with Knights coach Brian Smith and in need of a change when Hasler snapped him up.
"He was one in our recruitment that we targeted and we're really pleased to have him aboard," Hasler said.
"It's all about competition and we think Josh can definitely add something to this side. We think he can do a lot, achieve a lot.
"He's got a long way to go. He knows that and he knows it's going to be hard, but he's up to the challenge."
Hasler said 27-year-old Vaealiki, a member of Parramatta's 2001 grand final side, would prove invaluable as a backline utility, especially during the Origin series when Manly's resources are likely to be stretched.
"He's got a wealth of experience and will certainly add to our depth," he said.
"He's a big-match player and obviously you'd like to think he would come under the scrutineers during the rep season again next year.
"It always makes it hard when the Origin time comes around, so he's just going to help that depth.
"He sees it as a challenge, he thinks he can still offer something to the NRL and we think he can offer something to this side as well."
While the Eagles are reluctant to make any bold predictions, Hasler admitted the Sea Eagles were "quite clear in what we want to do" in 2008.
No doubt that involves snaring their first premiership in more than a decade and finally having the chance to crack open a cold one.
Source: AAP
