Manly failed to make the finals last season and Anthony Seibold now finds himself under pressure as the weight of expectation at the Sea Eagles grows heavier.
Daly Cherry-Evans' exit has shaken the club and it will be interesting to see how Jamal Fogarty steps into the halfback role.
The Sea Eagles have a talented backline that can trouble any side on their day, but they will need to get more out of their pack in 2026 if they want to become a legitimate contender.
MORE: Every major contract decision for each NRL club in 2026
Manly Sea Eagles predicted team list for Round 1
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Jake Trbojevic
11. Haumole Olakau'atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Joey Walsh
15. Ethan Bullemor
16. Corey Waddell
17. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Sea Eagles latest team news ahead of Round 1
Tom Trbojevic finished the season strongly at fullback after previously being shifted to the centres for Lehi Hopoate.
Turbo is likely to start the new campaign in the No.1 jersey after inking an extension to remain at the club until at least the end of the 2028 campaign.
Jason Saab will occupy the right wing, while Hopoate is set to line up on the left.
Tolu Koula was in stellar form in the centres and he will be partnered by Reuben Garrick, whose season was cut short by a shoulder injury.
Clayton Faulalo is set to be the first cab off the rank when injury strikes in the backline after Tommy Talau was not offered a new deal.
Daly Cherry-Evans' extensive time in the No.7 jersey has come to an end, with Jamal Fogarty brought in as the club's new halfback. He will be joined in the halves by Luke Brooks.
Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large will provide depth in the playmaking positions as the youngsters press their claims for their chance in the NRL, with the former a chance to be eased into things via the bench.
Taniela Paseka missed the majority of last season due to an Achilles injury, but he will lead from the front in 2026.
Siosiua Taukeiaho established himself as a starter during his first season at the club but he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Jake Trbojevic's season was ended prematurely after he suffered several concussions in quick succession. He will be good to go in the opening round and could start at prop like he has done plenty of times before.
Haumole Olakau'atu endured an injury-plagued 2025 that saw him manage just 15 appearances for the Sea Eagles. He will line up on an edge, while Ben Trbojevic will slot in on the other side of the field.
Kobe Hetherington has arrived from Brisbane as a premiership winner on a long-term deal and could hold down the lock forward position.
Jake Simpkin started to establish himself as the first-choice hooker during the second half of the 2025 campaign.
It remains to be seen whether he will face competition from Lachlan Croker, who played just four times last season due to concussion issues.
Ethan Bullemor was rewarded for his impressive form with a new long-term deal and will be their spark off the bench once again.
Corey Waddell will also be utilised off the pine, while Nathan Brown and Caleb Navale could also be fighting for their places in the 17.
Aaron Schoupp was re-signed, although he is expected to miss a large chunk of the campaign after suffering a knee injury late last season.
Jazz Tevaga proved to be massively useful on the Northern Beaches following his arrival from New Zealand. However, he has moved to the Super League along with Jake Arthur and Tof Sipley.
Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Dean Matterson have also departed the club, while Josh Aloiai has retired due to medical reasons.