He hasn't been mentioned when it comes to coach-of-the-year discussions but I cannot help but admire what Manly coach Geoff Toovey has achieved at Brookvale this year.
Toovey wasn't even supposed to be coaching at NRL level this season. Des Hasler was still under contract at Manly for 2012 and Toovey only received a last-second call-up when Hasler left immediately for Canterbury.
Manly's on-going board dramas have been a distraction for Toovey, not to mention Hasler taking a chunk of the Sea Eagles' coaching staff to Belmore.
But Toovey has managed to fend off all the tension and guide Manly toward a top four finish - all in his first year in charge.
It has been a remarkable performance under difficult circumstances. Yes, Toovey has a wonderful playing roster but you still have to get the best out of your players - and that's never easy.
Manly belted Newcastle in the first half on Sunday - seven tries in 40 minutes was a mind-blowing effort.
When Manly is at their best, I am not sure any team in the NRL can match them.
I counted 13 Sea Eagles players on Sunday who have either Test or State of Origin experience. Not to mention, this is the team that has contested three grand finals in the past five years.
They have class everywhere and are a tough team, mentally and physically.
Some wrote off Manly's chances when Hasler left. But this team has something - they are resilient with plenty of character and self-belief.
As we get closer to the finals, I am starting to believe we will see a Manly-Canterbury grand final. Hasler is copping plenty of the accolades, and deservedly so.
But what about the bloke who lured Hasler to Belmore ... Todd Greenberg?
Greenberg must have thought he was 1000/1 to get Hasler away from Manly. But his persistence and professionalism was enough for Hasler to leave the club he loved.
There's no doubt Greenberg was too smart and polished for the Manly board during the Hasler negotiations. The greatest Bulldogs CEO of all time, the late Peter Moore, must be looking down and admiring the man who now sits at his desk - Greenberg.
Talk has been rife that Greenberg could become the NRL CEO but now, according to weekend media reports, appears unlikely.
I am glad about that too. As an old Bulldog, I want Greenberg to stay. There are premierships to be won at Canterbury over the next few years.
But to win one, Canterbury will have to overcome Manly and Toovey - their new star coach.
2 Comments
I must give you credit micheal for being the first journalist in 2yrs to mention the rep players manly has in their team,bizarre how it took so long,bravo.As for coach of the year yes toovs has done well but it must go to the fella responsible for putting the traditional heart of rugby league back in the race...btw i'm also amazed that 'halves' combination is not spoken of much nowadays.i have thought since few games into last year that daley and keiran best scrum half combo since daley/stewart,lewis/langer and sterling/kenny. shame no one else sees the value as its all about this spine nonsense...forward packs and halves still win the big games
ReplyAGREE 100% Michael, Manly have been shoved from post to pillar this season with Boardroom problems, injuries to key players, suspensions, and losing 5 players to SOO, Toovey has done a tremendous job after being thrown in at the deep end, shows his heart on his sleeve , just as he did in his playing days ( the toughest little #$%$ to ever play the game) . Tooves IS coach of the year, Manly (with their best side on the paddock) will prove that when they win Back to Back Premierships, and silence "The Haters" once again !!!!!
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