Sea Eagles Harold Matthews Cup Season Preview
A very successful country rugby league coach combined with some exciting young talent make up the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Harold Matthews Cup team for season 2023.
Aaron Watts brings an outstanding coaching CV to the Sea Eagles role, including holding the honour of being the longest serving NSW Country under 18s Coach in CRL history.
To make the record even more impressive, Watts lost just one game in six years of coaching at the U18s level.
He also coached the Scone Thoroughbreds to a remarkable four grade premierships in 2018 and took the Thoroughbreds to an undefeated First Grade premiership the following season.
Last year, Watts was the first-grade coach for the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs.
Watts said he is excited for the season ahead, starting with the opening round clash against the Western Suburbs Magpies at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday, February 4.
“A talented squad has been assembled and with a bit of luck and confidence, they will be hard to beat each week,’’ Watts said.
“If we can start the season well, it will certainly breed some confidence into the players.
“Being a new coaching staff and playing group, it has taken time for the team to gel but the signs are positive.”
Watts has appointed Campbell Munn as Harold Matthews captain. A Scone Thoroughbred junior, Munn was part of premiership winning U16 and U18 team last season.
“Campbell is a player who can read the game really well and will be a key in the middle of the field for us,’’ Watts said.
As for young players to look out for, Watts nominated Simi Laiafi, Reilly Caswell, Lisiate Mackay, and Benji O’Keefe to name a few.
“Simi played Harold Matthews last season and has progressed and trained exceptionally well in the pre-season. He is very fit and very mobile,’’ Watts said.
“Reilly and Lisiate are playing a year above their age group but both boys are super fit and lightning fast.
“Benji has been a standout performer in the trials. He is very dangerous in attack with good speed and a great fend. He is also a very strong defender.”
The Sea Eagles last won the Harold Matthews Cup premiership in 2021 after claiming their first title in 2018.
