Manly Sea Eagles 2024 season review
Overview
2024 was a year of progress for the Sea Eagles, who jumped from 12th to 7th, to secure a place in the finals for the first time since 2021.
The year started with a 36-24 win over the Rabbitohs in Vegas, and when they saw off the Roosters 21-14 in round two, it was clear they meant business. A 32-18 win over the Panthers in round five was further proof of their top eight credentials, but there were plenty of bumps in the road, including a run of two wins in seven games between rounds nine and 16.
They had enough about them to get the job done though, and secure an elimination final with the Bulldogs in week one. Despite being under the pump for an hour of that game, Manly somehow ground out a victory, thanks to a piece of individual brilliance from Tolutau Koula.
His try meant a clash with the Roosters in week two, and in a sign of how quickly things can change in rugby league, Koula was knocked out in the first carry of the game and forced to watch from the sidelines as Manly bowed out 40-16.
It might have been one hurdle too many for the Sea Eagles, but there was plenty to be encouraged by in 2024.
Highs
As mentioned, the wins over the Roosters in round two and the Panthers in round five were a sign of how good Manly can be on their day, while the win over the Bulldogs during the finals will live long in the memory.
They also saw off the Storm at Brookvale, meaning the Sharks were the only top four side they failed to beat. Seeing as they only played them in round 27 when a top eight finish was already secure though, we shouldn’t read too much into that.
Meanwhile, star man, Tom Trbojevic, managed to play 19 games after an injury-hit 2023, and new signings Luke Brooks and Tommy Talau bedded in well.
Lows
Low points were on the short side for the Sea Eagles in 2024. On the pitch, their worst losing run was three games, while off it, there were far less dramas than in recent years, such as the blow-up over their Pride jersey in 2023.
The loss of Tolutau Koula and Jake Trbojevic in the opening 22 seconds of their finals loss to the Roosters was a real low point. Having got themselves to week two of the finals, it was a disappointing way to lose two key players, although Trbojevic did make it back from his HIA.
Of their losses in the regular season, only three were by double digits, and one of them was the round 27 dead rubber against the Sharks.
The termination of Josh Schuster’s contract early in the year was a shame, given that he was expected to be a star of the side for years to come.
They’ve also lost promising youngster Jamie Humphreys to the Rabbitohs for 2025,after just one game of first grade.
All in all though, not too many reasons to be upset if you’re a Manly fan in 2024.
Reasons to be positive in 2025
As above really. The Sea Eagles have a strong squad and no major losses have been announced ahead of 2025 yet. Daly Cherry-Evans may be in the twilight of his career, but he’s showing no signs of slowing down, and if Tommy Turbo can stay fit again, then Manly always have a chance.
Tolutau Koula had his best year yet in 2024, and at the age of 22, his best years are still ahead of him. 19-year-old LehiĀ Hopoate had a breakthrough year in 2024, while HaumoleĀ Olakau’atu was enormous during the finals series in particular.
All in all, lots to look forward to for Manly, who should find themselves in the top eight again in 2025.
My 2024 prediction – 8th
Final 2024 position – 7th (+1)
This was one of my better predictions in 2024. I had a feeling the Sea Eagles would sneak into the top eight, and they duly delivered. Much depended on keeping Tom Trbojevic fit, and his 19 games was a huge plus point. I’d expect to see Manly in and around the top eight again next year.
