The purchase of representative players Ben Kennedy, Michael Witt and Brent Kite, ahead of the 2005 season were the clubs first significant signings since the mid-1990s and early success on the field was reflected by the clubs place at the top of the table midway through the season. But contract issues with captain Michael Monaghan coincided with a drop in form, including a record loss of the club against Cronulla, 68–6. Winning their final round game, Manly secured eighth spot, but were quickly dispatched from the finals in the first week with a 46–22 loss to Parramatta.