It's a new beginning at Brookvale and the written-off Manly pack are expecting their first litmus test against Anthony Watmough and his new Parramatta teammates in their NRL season opener on Friday night.
The Sea Eagles have made the finals every year for the past decade but have been widely tipped to slide this year following the exits of Watmough, Glenn Stewart (South Sydney) and Jason King (retired).
It's a tune coach Geoff Toovey refuses to dance to and one he says he's heard before.
Over the last three seasons, Toovey has built a platform of success on getting the most out of lightly-rated players not wanted by other clubs and journeymen.
The inconsistent Feleti Mateo; Willie Mason, who is entering the twilight of his career; and Luke Burgess, unwanted at South Sydney after an off-field incident during an Arizona training camp, have been recruited to fill the gaps.
"All I can do is all I can do," Mateo said.
"I'm not looking to replace anyone. All I can do is back myself."
Backrower James Hasson said the Sea Eagles pack found it funny that they were written off year after year.
"Every year the media say the Manly pack is young or it's ageing or the front-rowers are getting on but for us, we look to do our job each week and play our part for the team," he said.
The Sea Eagles will get a read on where they stand in the pecking order against a Parramatta pack which has plenty of starch.
While the loss of Jarryd Hayne has dented the Eels' attacking options, they boast a formidable backrow in Manu Ma'u, Tepai Moeroa and evergreen Watmough.
"It's been well documented (Watmough) is looking forward to the game," Justin Horo said of his former teammate.
"It'll be funny running out against him ... he's the leader of the pack.
"I know how pumped up he's going to have their forward pack, having played with him and how excited and motivated he gets before games. He was massive for me when he was at the club.
"I'm sure he'll be fired up for this game and a little bit more than the others this year."
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