The Mole: Struggling Manly Requires a Revamp After Shocking Defeat to Titans

The time for soft assessments has passed – Manly require a significant overhaul in the upcoming off-season if they aspire to reclaim their position as a force in the NRL.

The Sea Eagles entered Friday night’s match against a depleted Titans side at the bottom of the ladder as strong favourites, yet they were decisively beaten 28-8.

Despite being near full strength, Manly couldn’t keep up with the Titans, who were missing Origin representatives Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika, showcasing a superior level of enthusiasm and speed against a sloppy Manly side.

Manly has now suffered defeats in their last four away games when they were expected to win, causing their finals aspirations to dwindle.

With an ageing and injury-prone squad, the Sea Eagles have lost their once-impressive attacking style that allowed them to run up significant scores against opponents.

They have managed to secure just six wins from 14 games this season and appeared to be a team eager for the upcoming summer on the Gold Coast.

The Titans, showcasing one of the quickest backlines in the league, outpaced Manly, with Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring twice alongside fellow speedy backs AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell who tore through the lacklustre Manly defence.

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The Titans are now just two victories shy of breaking into the top eight and could mount a late push for finals football in what has been one of the most congested ladders in NRL history.

DRAMATIC TURNAROUND IN DOLPHINS’ FORTUNES

If there were a Dally M award for the team playing the most attractive football in the league, the Dolphins would undoubtedly take it home without contest.

Despite missing a handful of their best players, the Dolphins dominated the Cowboys 58-4 in Townsville, producing numerous spectacular tries along the way.

The Redcliffe club has now outscored every other team in the NRL, comfortably sitting in sixth place, and appear bound for their first finals appearance in their three-year history.

After starting strong in 2023 and 2024 before faltering, they have reversed the trend this season, starting with four losses before embarking on a remarkable run of form that has made them the talk of the league.

With halves Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima orchestrating play, they boast an attack that many rivals can only envy, and if they do make it to the finals, they could pose a serious threat to some of the NRL’s more favoured teams.

UNCONTRACTED HALF PUTS PRESSURE ON COACH

Toby Sexton is determined to hold onto his halfback position at the Bulldogs and isn’t willing to let go without a fight.

Rather than sulking following the arrival of rising star Lachlan Galvin, Sexton raised his performance against Souths on Sunday.

The notable halfback was one of the standout players on the field, contributing half of the Bulldogs’ points in a 24-18 triumph and scoring the first try.

Sexton’s challenge arises next week, as the Bulldogs’ Origin players return to the squad.

However, he’s put pressure on coach Cameron Ciraldo, who faces some tough decisions ahead.

ROOSTERS UNEARTH ANOTHER KIWI STAR

The Roosters have discovered yet another dynamic Kiwi talent in back-rower Salesi Foketi, who scored a spectacular try in their victory over the Knights.

With a limited junior league, the Roosters have historically sought talent from beyond, and New Zealand has proven to be an excellent source over the years.

Players like former Dally M winner Gary Freeman, ex-captain Hugh McGahan, star centre Dean Bell, along with more recent stars like prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, centre Joey Manu, fan-favourite Shaun Kenny-Dowall, and try-scoring ace Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have all had significant success at the Roosters.

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Foketi, now just 19, was promoted to the Roosters’ main squad at the beginning of the year and has justified the club’s belief in him with strong performances.

He truly came into his own against the Knights, scoring his first career try after running nearly 50 metres, showcasing his speed, athleticism, and confidence to leave the Knights’ defence trailing.

‘HARSH LESSON’ FOR NRL’S RISING ROOKIE

Rugby league is a rigorous learning experience for young talents, and Cowboys rookie Jaxon Purdue faced a tough lesson against the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Purdue has received high praise after bursting onto the scene this season but struggled against his opposite number Kodi Nikorima in Townsville.

While Nikorima enjoyed a fantastic outing, Purdue had a performance to forget.

He missed five tackles, many of which contributed to tries, and recorded two handling errors as the Dolphins ran rampant, winning 58-4.

FLANNO MUST ADDRESS FITNESS ISSUES

Serious questions must be raised regarding the Dragons’ fitness levels after they once again squandered a healthy lead against the Sharks.

The Red V had a comfortable 18-6 advantage at half-time and seemed to have the Sharks under control before collapsing and conceding 24 consecutive points.

Following last week’s embarrassing performance against the Dolphins, the Dragons have allowed a staggering 86 points in just two games.

Although they boast some of the largest players in the NRL, such as Moses Suli, Luciano Leilua, and Blake Lawrie (who sat this game out), they are also slow to move laterally, leaving gaps for skilled teams to exploit.

The Sharks managed to bounce back from a dreadful start; however, they won’t enjoy the same luxury against the stronger sides in the competition.