It seemed improbable at this point last year that the Manly Sea Eagles would be looking back at 2009 with such lament. Following their 2008 premiership win, big things were expected of the Sea Eagles last season, but it all fell in a screaming heap before a ball had even been kicked and the reigning premiers of the year never truly recovered.
As a result, it comes as a surprise to many, that with such a disappointing year in 2009, that many would predict the Manly club to rise again from the lowly first-week-finals exit they were consigned to. But with a changing of the guard, it seems like that is exactly what is going to happen.
The off-season produced a few curve-balls on the Northern Beaches, with captain Matt Orford walking away from the club to sign a then-controversial deal with Bradford (Titans winger Chris Walker had done the same and Orfords signing put Walkers own deal in jeopardy a situation which has since been remedied). While the loss of Orford sees the Eagles bid farewell to their 2008 premiership halfback and Dally M winner, it opens the door for the new breed of Sea Eagle halves to come through. And they wont be left to fly on their own.
Last week saw the announcement of Manly-Warringahs captains for the 2010 season Jason King and former Eel and Wee Waa Panther Jamie Lyon will share skipper duties this year. Lyon has spent much of his time at the Manly club switching between centre and five-eighth as needed with Orfords departure we will now see Lyon take up permanent residence in the number six jersey, and his halves partner Kieran Foran is raring to go offering up a promising future for the maroon-and-whites.
The other man with the (c) next to his name will be prop-forward Jason King, a well-respected figure at Manly-Warringah. King has played his entire career at Brookvale Oval, save for a handful of games as a Northern Eagle at Bluetongue Stadium in 2001-02. Packing in alongside names like Josh Perry, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart, King will continue to inspire the forward pack as the Eagles push up the ladder in 2010.
Up in the box, Des Hasler will kick off his seventh season at the helm of the Sea Eagles. With Manlys failure to convert a finals appearance into anything more than a lacklustre showing against Melbourne, and the horror start to the season they also endured on the back of numerous off-field indiscretions, he will feel the pressure to get his troops to perform like never before. While already successful with a premiership just two seasons ago, hell need 100 percent from the team to reach anywhere near such heights again.
Signings:
Gains: Dean Whare (Dragons), Joe Galuvao (Eels), Matthew Cross (Storm)
Losses: Matt Orford, Heath LEstrange, Glenn Hall (Bradford, ESL), Adam Cuthbertson (Sharks), Tim Browne (Bulldogs), Jared Waerea-Hargraves (Roosters)
Predicted Round 1 lineup
1. Brett Stewart 2. Michael Robertson 3. Steve Matai 4. Ben Farrar 5. David Williams 6. Jamie Lyon 7. Kieran Foran 8. Jason King 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Perry 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Chris Bailey 13. Glenn Stewart
Interchange: 14. Terrence Seu Seu 15. Brent Kite 16. George Rose 17. Joe Galuvao
Player to Watch: Jamie Lyon
Expect big things from Killer in 2010. Matt Orfords departure has left Lyon as the Sea Eagles senior playmaker. Lyon, who already possesses a touch of class and a dangerous running game has spent the off season further developing his kicking game and repertoire of skills practiced by the modern five eighth. With the added responsibility of captaining his club, Lyon is primed to leave the opposition in his wake.
Rookie to Watch: Darcy Lussick
The name Darcy Lussick is unknown to many outside of the Northern Beaches. Given a spot in the Sea Eagles squad of 25, Lussick will be keen to impress when given his chance. Like Waerea-Hargreaves previously, when his time comes, I cant see him missing out on too many first grade games. Darcy was one of the best forwards in the Toyota Cup last season. Lussick possesses a mixture of bone rattling, intimidating defense with an aggressive and powerful running game. Come the end of 2010, Lussick will be well known to more than just the folk of the Northern Beaches.
Current Injuries:
Ben Farrar and Steve Matai are both still recovering from off-season injuries but are expected back for the first round clash against the Wests Tigers.
