The future of Manly Sea Eagles looks brighter than ever, even as the shadow of Daly Cherry-Evans’ eventual departure looms large. But here’s where it gets exciting: a dynamic young halves pairing, Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large, has emerged as a beacon of hope, delivering a stunning 33-18 pre-season trial victory over the New Zealand Warriors. This isn’t just a win—it’s a statement that life after DCE might not be as daunting as fans feared.
In their first senior game together, Walsh and Large didn’t just hold their own; they thrived. Their defensive prowess was as impressive as their ball-handling skills, leaving Manly supporters buzzing with anticipation for the seasons ahead. And this is the part most people miss: they achieved this feat with a significantly depleted squad, featuring six part-timers and six teenagers outside Manly’s Top 30. Talk about rising to the occasion.
Walsh, in particular, stood out with two try assists, cementing his potential to build on his lone NRL appearance in 2026. With extended benches under the spotlight this season, his performance couldn’t have come at a better time. Michael Ennis praised Walsh’s sharpness and confidence, noting, ‘His kicking game has been very sound, even in wet conditions, and his defense has looked good.’ A standout moment? Walsh and Large’s seamless combination to set up Wilson’s try for Faulalo—a glimpse of what this duo could become.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Manly’s young guns shine, the Warriors’ halves situation remains a question mark. With Luke Metcalf sidelined until late April due to a knee injury, the pressure is on. Veteran Tanah Boyd failed to impress against the Sea Eagles, and Chanel Harris-Tavita is in a race against time for Round 1. Could Te Maire Martin and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, set to play for the Maori All Stars, be the solution? Or is 2024 Harold Matthews premiership-winning half Jack Thompson the answer? His slick cut-out pass for Harry Tauafiafi-Lutoi’s try was one of the few bright spots for the Warriors.
In the recruit spotlight, Morgan Gannon’s debut for the Warriors was underwhelming. Despite 73 Super League games under his belt, the former Leeds Rhino struggled to make an impact, compounded by two glaring errors. In contrast, Blake Wilson’s Sea Eagles debut was a masterclass, capped by a stunning half-field breakaway try.
And this is the part that sparks debate: Hugo Hart, a former American Football and rugby union prospect, is a name to watch. After scoring a double against the Warriors, the Manly hierarchy clearly rates him, penciling him into the Top 30 by 2028. But will he make the NRL cut sooner? It’s unlikely, but his rapid rise from rugby league novice to reserve grade mainstay is nothing short of remarkable.
Timing, as they say, is everything. Paul Bryan’s arrival at Manly couldn’t be more perfect. The former Newcastle Knight, whose NRL debut was cut short by injury, impressed upfront and scored Manly’s first try. With Caleb Navale’s season derailed by an ACL injury, Bryan is poised to make waves in Manly’s aging forward pack.
Here’s the hot take: One trial doesn’t define a season, but the Warriors’ first-up effort was disappointing, especially given their on-field experience. Anthony Seibold’s young Sea Eagles, however, can hold their heads high—though don’t expect many of them to feature against South Sydney next week.
As the pre-season heats up, the Warriors host the Sea Eagles in a blockbuster Pre-season Challenge clash at McLean Park, Napier. With stars like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Kurt Capewell leading the charge, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. But the real question remains: Can the Warriors’ halves step up, or will Manly’s young guns steal the show again?
What do you think? Is the Walsh-Large pairing the future of Manly, or is it too early to tell? And can the Warriors sort out their halves dilemma before the season starts? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
