LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Manly forward Ethan Bullemor has voiced his opinion on the need for players to take responsibility for the Sea Eagles' disappointing season, defending coach Anthony Seibold against what he describes as 'unfair' criticism. The perception of Manly as a club in chaos has intensified, particularly amid the departure saga of captain Daly Cherry-Evans, their inconsistent performance, and ongoing speculation about the coach's future.
Initially seen as contenders for the top four in the NRL, Manly was still in the finals mix following a significant victory over Melbourne in round 20. However, four consecutive losses, including a punishing defeat to the Wests Tigers, have dashed any remaining playoff hopes for the team.
Post-match images of a visibly upset Cherry-Evans reflected the team's low morale, prompting speculation about his potential retirement. Reports suggest that he might transition to the Roosters next season, though he stayed coy during a recent press conference in light of his upcoming 350-game milestone against the Dolphins at 4 Pines Park this Saturday.
Many fans have placed blame on Cherry-Evans for the downturn in the club's fortunes, particularly following the announcement of his departure in March, which coincided with a notable drop in performance. Others have shifted the blame onto Seibold, suggesting he lacks the full backing of his players and has not maximized the abilities of a talented roster.
However, Bullemor asserts that it's standard for coaches to be scrutinized when a team's performance is lacking. He stresses that the players must also take responsibility for their erratic form.
"When the public perception is that a team hasn't aimed up to where they should, which is obviously probably the case for us, it's fair to say the number one person who I think can come under fire is often the head coach," he stated. "Probably at times it's unfair and maybe not called for..."
He continued, highlighting the collective nature of the issue, saying, "A huge amount of it rests back on us, the playing group. I think him (Seibold) and the coaching staff give us every opportunity to go out and play well. We're all in it together. That's what we mostly talk about. We've all got to shoulder the burden, right from the CEO all the way down to the bottom."