Manly won nine of 12 matches heading in to the final round of the regular season and were on track to book a home semi final. But a loss to Norths set up a must-win clash against eventual premiers Easts, who had too much class in the second half on the opening weekend of the playoffs. 

The Marlins have promoted Sam Lane to coach the club’s first grade side in 2024 and with Chris Delooze in the UK with the Wallaroos, we caught up with Lane to look back on Manly’s most recent Shute Shield campaign. 

Overview with Sam Lane: 

“We were there or thereabouts all year but probably weren’t consistent enough over the course of the season,” 2024 assistant coach and newly appointed head coach Sam Lane told Rugby News. 

“We played some really good rugby at different points of the season but then had three games where we really weren’t in it. We were poor against Rats on Anzac Day then struggled both times against Gordon. 

“Those results hurt us and if you’re a team vying to win the comp, you can’t afford to do that. 

“The loss to Souths at home was another that cost us. I don’t think we disrespected them or anything like that, they just played really well and wanted it more than us. 

“We were pushing for a top two spot and playing at home against a side that was out of finals contention. Those are the games you have to win consistently and unfortunately we weren’t able to do that this year. 

“In saying that, there were a lot of positives to take from the season. We had a really good, tight group and we played some good footy. We probably learnt towards the end that we weren’t quite where we needed to be in those final few games. 

“Chris (Delooze) is an awesome man and we’re all really proud to see him take the opportunity to coach at the next level. 

“He always had a big club focus and we had seven of our eight grades playing finals footy this year. 

“We blooded two colts in first grade, including Joey Dillon who ended up with the Australian U20s and is now down with the Brumbies. 

“We also blooded five or six colts in second grade so it’s great to see our colts pushing through and adding depth and quality to our grade sides. 

“Our women’s XVs side played for the first time in about 20 years and made the grand final, so that was great to see. 

“In grade, we struggled for consistency at times in the lower grades but then we also had guys that started in fourth grade and ended up playing twos. So we were able to reward good performances. 

“With second grade winning the comp, it’s given everyone a taste and I think the club as a whole wants more.”

What needs to happen at Manly between now and round one next year?

“Right now it’s important to give everyone a good break so they can switch off and not think about footy. It’s a long year, particularly when you’re working this side of Christmas. 

“It’s probably a danger for first year coaches. I’d love to get them all back but I think it’ll help at the backend of next year if we give everyone plenty of time to get away. 

“In terms of our rugby, our systems don’t need to change massively and we did a lot of things right at Manly this year. 

“There are some areas that I think we can improve and we’re taking steps already to do that. 

“The big thing for me is habits. There are quite a few little things that I think certain individuals at the club can improve on and that will be our big focus this side of Christmas. 

“We’ll work hard on improving individual skill sets right across the game and that will be different for each player. 

“There’s a really good base for us to build on though and if we can lift our standards then I think we can increase our ceiling, lift our base and close the gap between the two.”

Which of your players do you think can push on? 

“I’m pretty similar to Chris in that I don’t like singling out individuals but I do think we’ve got a really good group of graduating colts who will bring some good energy into the grade program next year,” the coach predicted. 

“Our second grade side that won the comp this year had a lot of young, local juniors and they’ll all be back again next year hungry for more success. 

“I’m hoping both of those groups help create plenty of competition for spots and that will only benefit the club as a whole.”

What can we expect in 2025? 

“There was a bit more of a clear-cut top six this year towards the end of the season,” Lane said. 

“But it was super close at the top. We were tied for second leading into the final round and ended up sixth after a loss to Norths. 

“There is going to be movement in the player market with those UK sides going under. I’m hearing another MLR side is close to going under as well so there will be more quality coming into the competition.

“For Manly, we want to compete week in and week out and avoid having too many off days. 

“Every rugby side will have off days but we want to make sure they aren’t as bad as they have been in the past. 

“I think the club has found some nice middle ground in terms of the type of rugby we play. It’s exciting for our fans to watch and we know it can get results. 

 “But I think the biggest thing everyone wants to see, whether it’s my mother or a fan in the stands, they just want to see players compete and want to be out there and I’ll be looking to really drive that within the group heading into next season.”