EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns pleads for Anthony Seibold to make 'big call' on young gun after horror start

Andrew Johns has pleaded with Manly to select young half Joey Walsh after a horror start to the season.

Manly is currently 13th on the ladder and have the bye this weekend after losing 36-16 to the Knights in round two and 29-28 in round one.

The match against Newcastle started horribly when Luke Brooks let the kick off bounce before going dead. The Knights focused plenty of their attack down Brooks' side and brought them plenty of points.

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On Wide World of Sports' Freddy and the Eighth, Brad Fittler described the Manly performance against Newcastle as "lacklustre" and that "they don't look relaxed".

If Walsh was to come into the side, Brooks would be under the pump considering Jamal Fogarty is a new signing.

When Manly plays the Roosters in round four, Johns wants a change made.

"Joey Walsh, I'd be putting him in," he said.

"Defensively they were poor, especially down their left side in and around Luke Brooks."

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Johns was asked directly if he'd drop Brooks but wasn't willing to completely go down that road.

"It'd be a big call, something's got to change," he said.

Unfortunately for Walsh, Manly's NSW Cup side also has the bye and he won't get to make another impression before the next match.

As for coach Anthony Seibold, Johns believes he's "under pressure" and reiterated speculation there's a push from Manly's old boys for Matt Ballin to replace him.