Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Coach Anthony Seibold says no player should feel comfortable about owning a jersey each week in the run into the finals.
Seibold says the signing this week of prop Matthew Lodge on a train and trial contact will add more competition for spots in the Sea Eagles pack. Lodge has played over 100 first grade games.
“What we want to do is we want to continue to grow and get better as a team,’’ Seibold said.
“He (Matt) brings a lot of experience at a couple of different clubs. He has had his challenges over his career as well, but he brings competition for spots. I don’t shy away from that.
We shouldn’t have people who are comfortable thinking 'that’s my jersey every week'. We want competition for spots
Manly Coach Anthony Seibold
Seibold is of the belief that the 28-year-old Lodge has yet to reach his potential in the game.
“Carrying the footy, I think he has got the quickest play the ball in the competition and he breaks more tackles than any other front-rower on average per game,’’ Seibold added.
“He has had a challenging time but some of that is not through his own fault. Some of that has been down to salary cap and roster management.
“I’ve known him since he was 17. I trust him and I know he trusts me.
“He is not in our top 30 but he has got an opportunity here and that’s what we want to give him. I know he will take it.
“We want to get him enjoying his footy again. He will play for Blacktown against the Raiders on Sunday afternoon in a really good reserve grade side for us. That’s the starting point and we will go from there.
“Everyone needs to play their best footy. For us to achieve what we want to achieve over the next eight weeks, we need to be a more consistent team."
