The Manly Sea Eagles started 2016 with high hopes after reshaping their team in the offseason but by the end of the season it was apparent that age was catching up with many in their squad.
Manly will enter 2017 missing a wealth of experience, with former captain Jamie Lyon retired and big question marks still surrounding the futures of Brett Stewart and Steve Matai.
2016 Round 1 Team
- Tom Trbojevic
- Jorge Taufua
- Jamie Lyon
- Steve Matai
- Brayden Wiliame
- Dylan Walker
- Daly Cherry-Evans
- Jake Trbojevic
- Apisai Koroisau
- Nate Myles
- Lewis Brown
- Nathan Green
- Martin Taupau
- Matt Parcell
- Blake Leary
- Darcy Lussick
- Siosaia Vave
The biggest shakeup to Manly's 2017 team is clearly in their backline. Club captain Jamie Lyon retired at the end of 2016 and his departure will leave a massive hole that needs to be filled.
The signing of five-eighth Blake Green to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves allows Dylan Walker to move back to his preferred position of centre.
As stated above, the future of backline duo Brett Stewart and Steve Matai is also up in the air, with both rumoured to be unlikely to play in 2017.
Young gun Tom Trbojevic will more than cover for the loss of Stewart and the club hopes the signing of Brian Kelly from the Titans might be the first step to replacing Matai.
2017 Possible Round 1 Team
- Tom Trbojevic
- Jorge Taufua
- Dylan Walker
- Brian Kelly
- Akuila Uate
- Blake Green
- Daly Cherry-Evans
- Nate Myles
- Apisai Koroisau
- Brenton Lawrence
- Martin Taupau
- Curtis Sironen
- Jake Trbojevic
- Addin Fonua-Blake
- Shaun Lane
- Lewis Brown
- Lloyd Perrett
PICK YOUR NRL TEAM: Not a fan of the above team? Then take over as the coach and pick your line-up!
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