Bring it on: Bryant

Skyhunter · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 7:48 pm Post subject: Bring it on: Bryant

Bring it on: Bryant

John Greco
11 January 2008

CONSISTENT Manly forward Mark Bryant has welcomed the increased competition for places in the Sea Eagles forward pack in what he admits will probably be the biggest season of his career.

Bryant, off-contract at the end of 2008, has been ever-present in the Sea Eagles' top 17 over the past two seasons but faces an almighty battle to keep his spot in the club's star-studded engine room.

International prop Brent Kite and Jason King will again lead the way while the acquisition of representative frontrower Josh Perry and the return from injury of George Rose means the club is well equipped up front.

Boom forward Adam Cuthbertson, Jack Afamasaga and Glenn Hall will also battle for spots in the top 17.

"We've got a lot of good forwards here so there's a bit of added pressure but that's a good thing," Bryant said after training at Narrabeen during the week.

"Josh (Perry) has come in and he's a great player but he probably has the added pressure of breaking into the side from the guys that are already there.

"I just want to improve my game and work on my strength and speed. It's definitely a big year coming up but it's just a matter of training hard and getting myself right to go. If I do that then all that stuff should take care of itself."

Bryant, who moved to the club from Canberra in 2005, said he hoped another strong season would secure him a new contract at Brookvale.

"Me and my wife love this area, love the people and love the club," the Cootamundra junior said.

"Hopefully we can start talks early and work out a deal that's best for both parties."

The Sea Eagles are well into their preparations for 2008 and trying to move on from the heartache of the grand final loss to the Storm but Bryant admitted it was still very much in the players' minds.

"A lot of us are still disappointed with how our season ended," he said.

"It (2007) was a good season for the club but as players we look at how we played our last game and it hurts. We've got five months of mulling it over in our heads and unfortunately it's one of those memories that just sticks."

Source: http://www.manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/01/11/8171_sports.html

Skyhunter · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 8:57 pm Post subject:

The Eagles will have good depth in the Forwards i can't wait for the start of season 2008 to see how they go.