steeliz
Kennel Addict
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2012
- Messages
- 7,159
- Reaction score
- 7,964
Morgan Harper will be given the first crack at Tom Trbojevic's fullback jersey in Manly's final pre-season hit-out before season kick-off.
The 22-year-old, who impressed in his five games at centre for Des Hasler's side last season, has been named in the No. 1 jersey for Sunday's trial against the Tigers.
It comes after Trbojevic suffered a fresh hamstring setback in a freak shower accident this week that caused a grade two tear, sending Manly's pre-season preparations into a spiral.
While Trbojevic is expected to miss at least the first month of the new season, it won't be a surprise to see Hasler hold him back longer given the Sea Eagles superstar's history.
Trbojevic missed most of last season with a ruptured hamstring in his left leg, which followed another season marred by the same injury in 2019.
Harper appears to have edged out other versatile backline options capable of playing fullback that are at Hasler's disposal, including Tevita Funa and Reuben Garrick.
Hasler has also named exciting youngster Josh Schuster in the No 6 jersey, while veteran recruit Kieran Foran and captain Daly Cherry-Evans have been rested.
Meanwhile, Cade Cust has been named to start at hooker with Manly letting go of last year's first-choice rake Danny Levi over the off-season.
Breakout forward Taniela Paseka has nabbed Addin Fonua-Blake's starting front-row spot, after the Tongan international's move to the Warriors over the summer.
In a selection surprise, new recruit Josh Aloiai has been named on the extended bench.
As expected, Jack Gosiewski has occupied the left edge spot vacated by Joel Thompson after he joined Super League outfit St. Helens.
Saturday's hit-out with the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday will be the last audition for Hasler's side head of their season opener on the Roosters on March 13th.
The 22-year-old, who impressed in his five games at centre for Des Hasler's side last season, has been named in the No. 1 jersey for Sunday's trial against the Tigers.
It comes after Trbojevic suffered a fresh hamstring setback in a freak shower accident this week that caused a grade two tear, sending Manly's pre-season preparations into a spiral.
While Trbojevic is expected to miss at least the first month of the new season, it won't be a surprise to see Hasler hold him back longer given the Sea Eagles superstar's history.
Trbojevic missed most of last season with a ruptured hamstring in his left leg, which followed another season marred by the same injury in 2019.
Harper appears to have edged out other versatile backline options capable of playing fullback that are at Hasler's disposal, including Tevita Funa and Reuben Garrick.
Hasler has also named exciting youngster Josh Schuster in the No 6 jersey, while veteran recruit Kieran Foran and captain Daly Cherry-Evans have been rested.
Meanwhile, Cade Cust has been named to start at hooker with Manly letting go of last year's first-choice rake Danny Levi over the off-season.
Breakout forward Taniela Paseka has nabbed Addin Fonua-Blake's starting front-row spot, after the Tongan international's move to the Warriors over the summer.
In a selection surprise, new recruit Josh Aloiai has been named on the extended bench.
As expected, Jack Gosiewski has occupied the left edge spot vacated by Joel Thompson after he joined Super League outfit St. Helens.
Saturday's hit-out with the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday will be the last audition for Hasler's side head of their season opener on the Roosters on March 13th.
