As the dust settles on the 2025 NRL draw, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are charting a clear course toward their grand final ambitions. Under the stewardship of coach Anthony Seibold, the team—rebuilt since Seibold took over from Des Hasler two seasons ago—is steadily progressing. With renewed confidence and a compelling list of early fixtures, Manly is poised to crack the top four and mount a genuine premiership charge.
Match Fixtures and Early Momentum
The 2025 campaign embarks with a bang. Manly opens at home—4 Pines Park, also known as Brookvale Oval—on Saturday, 8 March, against the North Queensland Cowboys. A commanding performance sees the Sea Eagles triumph 42–12, putting on a scintillating display that sends fans into early orbit. Tries from the likes of Haumole Olakau’atu, Jason Saab, Ben Trbojevic and others underline their attacking punch. Analysts called it “near-flawless” and “scintillating,” lifting Manly to second on the ladder behind Brisbane.
That momentum continues into Rounds 2 through 4—victories over the Warriors (36–16), Raiders (40–12), and Parramatta (26–12) highlight a perfect start. Despite a scare when fullback Tom Trbojevic left the Eels game with a knee issue—fortunately, not the feared ACL—the club’s depth and leadership shone through.
Bye Rounds: Strategic Breathers
Every NRL season demands careful navigation of bye weeks, and in 2025, Manly’s schedule is well-structured. The Sea Eagles enjoy three designated byes: Round 9, Round 16, and Round 19. These fall squarely within the State of Origin period, offering rest and regroup opportunities at key junctures.
Round 9’s break is already behind them (late April), Round 16 arrives in late June, and Round 19 will fall in mid-July. Notably, the club requested not to participate in the famous “Magic Round,” opting instead for a bye during that marquee event.
Looking Ahead: Challenges & Key Clashes
Following their bye in Round 9, Manly’s test begins anew. Round 10 sees a return fixture against Cronulla at home, followed by consecutive tough away matches, including the Cowboys and Eels. The mid-season run through Rounds 13 to 15 will test their mettle: Broncos at home, Knights and Titans on the road.
After their second bye in Round 16, the Sea Eagles host Wests Tigers before welcoming Rabbitohs in Round 18. Another strategic breather in Round 19 leads into a challenging series of end-of-season games against Storm, Bulldogs, Roosters, Raiders, Dolphins, Dragons, and Warriors.
Under Seibold: Building Toward the Top Four
Anthony Seibold’s influence continues to show. Manly’s early-season dominance is a testament to their disciplined structure and attacking flair—supported by potent forwards and creative backs. Early results show the side is not just competitive, but formidable. The bye scheduling, particularly avoiding the Magic Round, reflects strategic long-term planning by the club.
If the Sea Eagles ride this form through their byes and into that crucial mid-season stretch, they’re firing on all cylinders at a point when halves edges of the competition make or break finals pushes.
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In summary:
– Fixtures & Results: Opened with dominant wins over Cowboys, Warriors, Raiders, and Eels. Notable performances from Tom Trbojevic and others have positioned them early near the top of the table.
– Byes: Scheduled in Rounds 9, 16, and 19. Key for resting players and maintaining form. Magic Round deliberately bypassed.
– Prospects: Ambition to crack the top four is well-founded, with the early campaign showing real cohesion and attacking potency under Seibold.