Returning Manly centre Angus Bell is confident a new look Marlins group can push up the ladder and play deeper into the 2025 Shute Shield season. 

Manly were beaten by eventual premiers Easts in the opening round of last year’s finals series but will be a different side under new head coach Sam Lane, according to Bell.  

“There’s been quite a big change in terms of personnel from last season but I think change is good and it’s another form of growth and that’s the way we’re approaching this year,” the talented back told Rugby News. 

“We think we’re going to keep growing every time we get on the field together. 

“We had our first beach session of the year up at Palm Beach on the weekend and there was a really good turn out and plenty of energy in the session, which is great to see at this time of the year.”

A former Junior Wallaby and Aussie 7s back, 24-year old Bell has had a horror run with injuries in recent years and missed most of last season after suffering an ACL injury in the Marlins’ Anzac Day match against Warringah. 

“It’s been a very long rehab,” he said. 

“It was hard to get motivated initially because you sort of feel out of touch from the group, particularly when a return to rugby was so far away. 

“But as it got closer, the hunger kicks in and you start to get excited about playing again so now I can’t wait for the season to get underway.”

Bell is hoping to be cleared to play a trial match against Randwick in March ahead of the Marlins opening round clash against Norths at Manly Oval in round one. 

If he’s fit and healthy and can rediscover the form he showed early last season, the centre will be one of the most dangerous backs in the competition. 

“I feel like I’ve got to the age now where I’m confident I can contribute to the group and those set backs and injuries halted that a little bit. 

“I still don’t think I’ve really been able to hit my straps just yet so I’m excited about the idea of playing consistent footy.”

Consistency has be a key theme for the Marlins over summer under new coach Sam Lane. 

Lane played flyhalf the last time Manly featured in a Shute Shield decider back in 2015 and knows what it takes to peak at the pointy end of winter. 

“As a club, we’ve been really strong in certain areas over the last few years but then we’ve let ourselves down in other areas, like our discipline, so that’s something we need to change, particularly at the backend of the year,” Bell said. 

“The depth at the club is the strongest I’ve seen it though. Our women’s sides and our colts are looking really good, so that depth is only going to continue to grow in the years ahead and hopefully push us closer to the final game of the season.”