Elgey goes from sidelines to chief playmaker

Manly playmaker Kane Elgey is ready to take on the mental challenges that have plagued him after a whirlwind week that saw him dropped before being recalled for injured skipper Daly Cherry-Evans.

Elgey has gone from being dropped by Des Hasler for the side's win over the Raiders in round seven to becoming the chief playmaker in the space of a week following injuries to Cherry-Evans (ankle) and Trent Hodkinson (knee).

Both underwent surgery last week. The week ended with Manly scoring an 18-10 win over the Bulldogs a Lottoland on Saturday night.

The former Titans halfback has struggled with his own rhythm throughout in 2019 despite the Sea Eagles' 5-3 start to the year.

He set up Reuben Garrick's pair of first half tries to give the Sea Eagles a lead they would not relinquish.

"It was big shoes to fill obviously sitting out last week observing the game," Elgey said.

"I just want to be out there and get the ball as much as I could. Des just wanted me to get the ball and in the first half we did do that.

"The second half probably wasn't up to scratch. We still got the win but I'm going to work on that this week and if I'm going to be the chief playmaker I'm going to have to take those moments in the second half, especially on fifth tackle."

Elgey is first to admit his transition to the Northern Beaches hasn't been all smooth sailing after a three-year stay at the Titans came to an end in 2018.

Once dubbed one of the game's future stars, the 25-year-old's defensive woes were exposed 12 months ago but his most recent axing came following scrutiny of his attacking game.

"I guess that is it and the funny thing is I've never really had trouble with my attack and this year it just wasn't there," Elgey said.

"I agreed with him [Hasler] when I got stood down, it wasn't up to scratch. It is a rollercoaster and you've got to keep going. I've had some down days and obviously got my opportunity and tried to grab it with two hands.

"Everyone says that confidence thing but it's true, I'm still trying to find it. I was on the Gold Coast for nine years and it's a big change.

"You could put a few things on it but it comes down to me mentally. I've always had the skill but it's up here [in the head] with me. At a new club it's sort of been hard to join in with the boys."