Des Hasler wants shy Kane Elgey to 'back himself more' for Sea Eagles

Manly coach Des Hasler has implored new five-eighth Kane Elgey to spread his wings more in a bid to take some pressure off captain Daly Cherry-Evans.

Hasler's storied return to the club was spoiled after his team were almost held tryless in a 20-6 loss to Wests Tigers in their season-opener on Saturday.

Hasler was buoyed by his side's defensive grit for most of the contest - they were leading 2-0 after an hour - but bemoaned their wastefulness with the ball.

"You can reflect on the defensive workload, you can wrap your 'D', (how) it's great to be able to defend back-to-back sets," Hasler said.

"(But) let's face it, they kicked us off the park. We didn't manage the ball well in our time in possession and there was just weight of possession."

The former Canterbury coach was also unhappy with the Sea Eagles' fifth-tackle options.

Cherry-Evans was ambushed on multiple occasions by an energetic Tigers defence, while Elgey struggled to make an impact in his club debut.

Despite the presence of veteran Trent Hodkinson on the bench, Hasler suggested the ex-Gold Coast playmaker would retain his spot in the line-up next week.

"I know they'd be disappointed with some of their finishes to our sets. But it's a combination that we have to continue to work on," he said.

"I think young Elgey has got to learn to back himself more. It's a confidence thing."

Hasler was also encouraged by the performances of centre Moses Suli, as well as stand-in fullback Brendan Elliot.

Hasler insisted star Tom Trbojevic would remain sidelined until round four.

"Tom's working really hard but it's the type of injury, with hamstring you can't rush and afford to damage and re-injure again," he said.

"We certainly won't be doing that at this stage of the season."