Manly were at the pointy end of the Shute Shield ladder around the June long weekend last year, but faded from there and were knocked out by Norths in the preliminary final after winning just two of their last 10 matches.  

Coach Chris Delooze is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of round one, but seems confident the Marlins will push deeper into the playoffs this season.

Overview with Chris Delooze: 

“It’s a really exciting time of the year now that we’re ready to get in to it,” Delooze told Rugby News. 

“We played a trial against the Waratahs and Warringah earlier in the year and I gave mosts player at the club at least 20 minutes that day. Everyone across the grades, plus a few colties, got a run , which was great for the club. 

“We also did a full club camp a few weeks ago which included our grade, colts and women’s sides. We also had our volunteers involved and plenty of past players on hand.