The Mole: 'Same old story' awaits Manly as club sweats on Tom Trbojevic's fitness
After missing the finals last season, the Sea Eagles have made plenty of changes in personnel in a bid to shake things up at Brookvale.
The most significant is the addition of much-maligned former Tigers halfback Luke Brooks - but it could prove a master-stroke.
The move is a good one for Brooks and the Tigers - both needed a change after a decade of mediocrity.
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The speedy veteran's partnership with Daly Cherry-Evans will give Manly the most experienced halves combination in the NRL and Brooks may well take some of the playmaking pressure off DCE's shoulders.
Anthony Seibold will want to return the Sea Eagles to finals football. Getty
Fellow former Tigers Tommy Talau and Aitasi James are also handy gains, as are Roosters winger Jaxson Paulo and Bulldogs forward Corey Waddell.
Overall the Sea Eagles' discipline was good last season - they were awarded the most penalties in the NRL (180) but didn't do enough when they had the football and the new faces should make a difference to their strike rate.
Ultimately it will be the same old story at Brookvale - if Tom Trbojevic stays healthy, a finals berth awaits.
With some different players around him and a fresh look to the team, a finals return is a big chance.
2024 gains: Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers), Tommy Talau (Wests Tigers), Jaxson Paulo (Roosters), Aitasi James (Wests Tigers), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs).
2024 losses: Samuela Fainu (Wests Tigers), Kelma Tuilagi (Eels), Morgan Harper (Eels), Kaeo Weekes (Raiders), Sean Keppie (Rabbitohs), Morgan Boyle (unsigned).
Predicted finish: 7th to 11th
