Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will kick off their 2024 SG Ball Cup campaign with a home game at 4 Pines Park on Saturday, February 3.
Head Coach Nathan Hogan takes us through his thoughts ahead of the U19s match against the Western Suburbs Magpies. Kick-off is 12pm and is entry is free.
Ben Banham, Frank McKee and former Sea Eagles premiership winning full-back Brett Stewart are the Assistant Coaches.
The Sea Eagles are still chasing their maiden title in the SG Ball Cup competition, having been runners-up in 1990, 1991, 1998, and 2019.
WC: What impresses you about this squad?
NH: We have a new young squad and we have been focusing on the 'Manly Mentality'. The whole squad have bonded together really well. Their attitude towards pre-season has been outstanding.
WC: Where do our strengths lie?
NH: We have a new talented halves combination as well as some fit skillful middles up front, which will give us plenty of opportunities.
WC: Why did you choose Dylan Coyte as captain. What made him stand out in the pre-season?
NH: We have been focusing on our team values – Respect, Accountability, Trust & Honesty. Dylan personifies these values and more.
WC: Every team’s goal is to make the finals, but outside of this, it’s about the development of the players, on and off the field. How important is this?
NH: It’s very important for us. Good people make good team players and we have been heavily focused on team values and working together to play the Manly Way.
WC: Who are the players to look out for this season?
NH: Charlie Boyle is a 17-year-old local junior from Mona Vale. A naturally talented player, Charlie is equally adaptable at half-back and full-back. Prop Simione Laiafi is a NSW U17 representative with a very bright future. Alton Naiyep is a very good outside back. He is only 18 and was the leading try scorer in the Mal Meninga Cup in the Queensland Rugby League last season.
