Firing the coach was just the beginning: Manly needs to overhaul its troubled roster to make a real comeback.

One of the less discussed aspects of Anthony Seibold’s exit was the deteriorating roster that he and recruitment chief Peter Gentle permitted to worsen during their tenure.

In the next six months, critical decisions lie ahead, not only regarding who will don the coaching cap for Manly moving forward but also which players will remain as the club embarks on what could resemble a massive clearance sale.

To reclaim their footing, the Sea Eagles require a substantial overhaul, nearing a complete reinvention rather than merely a refresh. This transformation should also lead to Gentle’s departure, ideally to make way for a football executive with a proven track record.

Hints about Manly possibly courting Frank Ponissi – a prior assistant coach for the Northern Eagles who evolved into one of the most respected football department managers in the NRL while collaborating with Craig Bellamy to shape the Melbourne Storm – would surely resonate well with Sea Eagles supporters.

When News Corp initially announced that Ponissi could be in contention, it seemed almost too far-fetched. However, moments after Manly chairman Scott Penn indicated that Ponissi would be discussed in the upcoming board meeting, 9News journalist Danny Weidler contradicted the rumour, tweeting that Ponissi has “no desire to leave the Storm”.

Nevertheless, the Sea Eagles should press on with efforts to find a more suitable replacement for Gentle to reshape the roster.

During the Seibold era, the top 30 squad has shifted to the point of becoming predictable. Although it’s highly effective on the flanks, scoring more long-range tries than any other NRL team, it crumbles under pressure when an early shift to space on the edges is thwarted.

Jason Saab and Lehi Hopoate appear outdated for the modern game, where most NRL wingers are crafted to help gain early momentum in the tackle count.

Both often find themselves on the receiving end of kick-chasing units, resulting in the Sea Eagles’ forwards needing to traverse more ground to regroup behind the ball. Consequently, runs on tackles three and four frequently come after laborious play-the-balls against a steady defensive line.

This issue should have been on Manly’s radar at least two seasons ago, yet no attempts have been made to rectify it. Hopoate possesses youth and flair, making the Sea Eagles’ investment in him sensible. However, having Saab on the opposite flank raises questions. Why did Seibold and Gentle grant him a lucrative contract extension in 2024 that stretches to the end of 2029?

Decisions like this have dotted the landscape over recent years. Many of Manly’s promising talents have departed while inconsistent players have received lengthy contracts.

Jamie Humphreys, a standout Manly junior originally in the halves and later as a hooker, was allowed to join South Sydney. Latu and Samuela Fainu were earmarked as future stars well before their moves to the Wests Tigers. Kaeo Weekes made his debut at Manly before signing with Canberra and developing into one of their best players in a minor premiership side. Acknowledging Tom Trbojevic’s presence as a barrier to his progression, it’s evident that successful clubs like Melbourne find ways to utilise X-factor talents such as Nicho Hynes and Tyran Wishart, rather than letting them slip away unless an extravagant offer comes from elsewhere.

Catch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.

While Departures, particularly Daly Cherry-Evans, have sparked concern, the incoming transfers have lacked excitement.

The Sea Eagles clearly struggle for impact in their forward pack and the depth of their edge forwards has been an ongoing issue since Seibold’s appointment, yet these problems remain unaddressed.

They’ve either recruited seasoned veterans who are well beyond their prime – like Matt Lodge, Nathan Brown, and Sio Siua Taukeiaho – to cover gaps, or they’ve invested too heavily in players of limited ability, exemplified by Corey Waddell, who they let go in 2020 only to resign in 2024.

Such choices might have been justified if the Sea Eagles had three or four emerging forwards in the juniors poised for first-grade, but currently, the only promising young forward is 19-year-old Simione Laiafi.

If Laiafi continues to grow, the forward pack may appear stronger as next season unfolds with Taniela Paseka and Davvy Moale as the front-row starters, supported by Laiafi, Ethan Bullemor, and Kobe Hetherington. Yet, this still doesn’t constitute a group that inspires dread among competing forward lines.

To instigate genuine change in the centre of the field, the Sea Eagles must find a tactful way to encourage Jake Trbojevic to consider retirement.

A club legend, he deserves to carry the jersey for as long as he wishes. However, despite his inspirational leadership and defensive prowess, he may be better suited to a non-playing position. Freeing up his salary cap space could allow Manly to pursue a more dynamic middle forward.

The potential of the spine remains untapped and heavily depends on effective mentorship for 19-year-old Joey Walsh and 18-year-old Onitoni Large. Walsh appears further advanced in his development and should receive chances to impact first grade this season, alongside the stabilising presence of Jamal Fogarty.

The Luke Brooks situation has proven to be a misstep. It’s doubtful any NRL club would be interested in acquiring him if he were put on the market, but the Sea Eagles might consider negotiating with him about a transition to the Super League, should he wish to continue his career in first grade.

If Manly can manage to offload Brooks and Saab by year-end and Trbojevic opts for retirement, the Sea Eagles would be strategically positioned to enact a rapid roster revamp in alignment with their new coach’s vision, particularly since Brown and Taukeiaho are without contracts beyond this season and Reuben Garrick is moving to the Roosters.

A top-quality prop, a dynamic second-rower, a seasoned centre, and a premier-level hooker should be on their wishlist.

The appointment of Manly’s next long-term coach is the paramount issue the club needs to resolve this year. However, this would be in vain if their subsequent five roster adjustments are as misguided as the last five.