Bright future for Croker and SG Ball team

“Three or four times we were held up over the try line and we probably missed a couple of opportunities that may have changed the game, but they are a very good football team and I’m expecting them to do well (in the grand final) this weekend.

“I just really feel for our boys. They had such a good year and then to go out on a performance like that is just disappointing.

“It was heartbreaking for us as coaches, so I can only imagine how it felt for the boys.

“Despite the way it ended, we still look back on things quite fondly and we had a great season and time together.

“To see how much these players changed from when we first met them in November to now was such a cool experience. I'm very glad that we got to do it the way we did.”

Manly produced an almighty upset in week one of the finals to end the undefeated run of minor premiers Souths. The Rabbitohs were then knocked out last weekend.

“A lot of effort and energy did go into that (week one finals) game. It was a turning moment in, not just the season, but in the way that the boys played footy in general,’’ Croker added.

“I think they basically turned into men that day. It was cool to see because we spoke about that and how much we owed Souths back after what they did to us a few weeks earlier (in our only loss of the regular season).

“There was a lot of highlights throughout the year. Going to New Zealand and having a good time there with the group and then putting in the strong performance like we did in round one away from home is another fond memory.”

Croker predicted bright futures for several players in the squad but like the quality man he is, stopped short in singling out any players in fairness to the team. He also spoke about his own personal growth as a coach and person.

“There is a large contingent of that team that we will see, hopefully in a Manly jersey, but definitely in the NRL in the next four or five years,’’ Croker said.

“As a coaching staff, we were very invested in the boys. I think that translated to a lot of their performances because we cared about these guys and had a strong connection with them.

“I learned a lot throughout the season, particularly early on around difficulties in dealing with young men who got so much going on in their lives.

“I'm excited to see where I go with coaching now. I’m unclear on what that looks like for me but there'll be some coaching somewhere along the line.”

Manly interim NRL Coach Kieran Foran said Croker’s team should be proud of what they achieved.

“What a what a wonderful season they had. They have made the club proud. We're super excited about some of the talent coming through our SG Ball team.’’ Foran said.

“Some of these guys are probably only 18 months to two years away from playing in the NRL.”

One of the standout players for the Sea Eagles’ SG Ball team that Foran has high hopes for is the very talented Onitoni Large, a member of the top 30 NRL squad.

“When I first started working with Onitoni, I was blown away by his athleticism and his willingness to get better as a five-eighth/half-back,’’ Foran said.

“He is so athletic. He's got natural speed that few have. It makes him an extremely dangerous runner of the ball.

“Onitoni just wants to keep developing his game management, ball skills, and kicking game.  He has got a huge future as a five-eighth at our club.

“The same goes with his brother, Ashton, who is only in Year 12. He has come in and done some sessions with the NRL team.

“He is a tough hooker. He's got a good footy brain. Those boys are a huge part of our future heading forward.”