The pressure is well and truly on Anthony Seibold heading into 2026.

After making the finals in 2024, the Sea Eagles went backwards last season and looked like a side short on direction. The ongoing speculation around Daly Cherry-Evans' future and reports of tension with Seibold's coaching methods created a year of noise and inconsistency.

Now, with Cherry-Evans officially gone to the Sydney Roosters and former prop Jason King appointed CEO, the Sea Eagles enter a new era. There is still plenty of talent in the side, but the team's best players need to start delivering again. Tom Trbojevic's fitness and confidence remain central to Manly's hopes, yet even at his best he can't do it alone. Several senior players must step up if the Sea Eagles are to return to finals contention in 2026.

These are the five players most crucial to that turnaround.

3. Lachlan Croker

Lachlan Croker's 2025 campaign was one to forget. He managed only four NRL games before being sidelined with a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery, followed by a mid-season concussion that ruled him out for most of the year. When he finally returned late in the season, he struggled to find rhythm and was left out of Manly's closing rounds. For a player who had been such a consistent performer in previous years, the setback was tough.

Why his role is important:
Croker is a converted half who brings vision, organisation and toughness to the number 9 jersey. At his best, he gives Manly great service from dummy half and a reliable voice in the spine.

He has a handy short-kicking game, reads the defensive line well and can spot opportunities around the ruck. His defensive work is tireless, often topping the tackle count for the side, and his leadership through the middle keeps Manly steady during pressure periods. With limited depth in the position, his importance has only grown.

What needs to improve: Croker needs a strong pre-season to regain confidence and match fitness. His service from dummy half must become sharper, and his running game more consistent. He has the skill to engage defenders and play heads-up football, but injuries have dulled that spark.

The club's other hooking options are still developing, with Jake Simpkin joining from the Tigers and young Zaidas Muagututia coming through the system. Croker's experience and composure will be vital in guiding them. If he can return to the form he showed when Manly reached the preliminary final in 2021, the Sea Eagles' spine will look far more settled in 2026.

1 COMMENT