Manly’s premiership window has become one of the NRL’s most debated topics — and with good reason. The Sea Eagles have a roster stacked with talent in key positions, but questions around depth, consistency, and the balance of their spine continue to divide opinions among experts. Some believe the foundations for a title tilt are already in place, while others argue the club remains two or three seasons away from genuine contention.
At the centre of the discussion is Tom Trbojevic. When fit, he’s among the most destructive players in rugby league — capable of changing games single-handedly. His combination of speed, power, and vision makes Manly a different beast altogether. But his injury record has been the Sea Eagles’ biggest roadblock. Without Turbo firing for a full season, Manly has struggled to keep pace with the NRL’s elite. Ensuring his fitness — or at least managing his workload better — will be crucial if the club wants to push for a premiership.
Another key factor is Daly Cherry-Evans, the evergreen skipper who continues to lead by example. At 36, DCE shows no signs of slowing down, and his control, kicking game, and competitive drive are unmatched. Yet, the club must also prepare for life after him. Manly’s succession plan in the halves — whether through young gun Jamie Humphreys or potential signings — will play a major role in determining how long their window stays open.
The Sea Eagles’ pack, meanwhile, has taken big steps forward under coach Anthony Seibold. Haumole Olakau’atu has developed into one of the NRL’s most damaging edge forwards, Taniela Paseka and Toafofoa Sipley continue to add grunt in the middle, and the emergence of Ethan Bullemor and Jake Trbojevic’s ever-reliable leadership give Manly a solid engine room. But to challenge the Panthers, Broncos, and Storm, they’ll need more punch off the bench and greater defensive consistency across 80 minutes.
Manly’s recruitment strategy also raises questions. Signing Luke Brooks was bold and, so far, encouraging. His partnership with Cherry-Evans offers balance — DCE’s control with Brooks’ running game — but it will take time to fully click. The backline, led by Reuben Garrick and Tolutau Koula, has pace and flair, but there’s still a sense that the Sea Eagles lack the overall depth of a top-four side.
The optimistic take is that Manly isn’t far off — perhaps a season or two away if their core players stay fit. Their attacking potential is elite, and with Seibold refining their defensive systems, they have the makings of a genuine dark horse. The pessimistic view, however, is that inconsistency and injuries will continue to keep them in the middle of the ladder, good enough to beat anyone on their day but not disciplined enough to go the distance.
Ultimately, Manly’s premiership window isn’t closed — it’s cracked open. With the right mix of health, form, and recruitment, the Sea Eagles could soar back into contention sooner than many expect. But until they prove they can sustain their best football over an entire season, the jury will remain split on whether this talented side is truly ready to fly with the NRL’s elite.
