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Manly’s decision to sack media manager Peter Peters has claimed another victim, with former player Ben Kennedy ending his association.
Kennedy has joined Manly’s greatest player, Immortal Bob Fulton, and icon Ken Arthurson in giving the Sea Eagles a spray after Peters was made redundant following his gaffe to a Sky News reporter.
‘Zorba’ Peters told journalist Megan Barnard she was “a good sort” as a group of Manly officials and Glenn Stewart left the judiciary last week.
Peters has had a 40-year association with the Sea Eagles as a grand final-winning player and official, and is close with coach Des Hasler and the current playing group.
He played 73 games for Manly and has worked as a commentator of 2GB and 2KY. Peters is also related to chairman Scott Penn.
Club management has denied that Peters’ comment was the sole reason before his departure.
Kennedy told The Daily Telegraph that Peters was the “heart and soul of Manly”, and said the fans and the sponsors “have to stand up here”.
“They must get stuck into the club and these officials and have their say,” he said.
“Some of these pen-pushers behind this are unsighted. They wear their suits and think they own the joint. They lap it up when you win but aren’t anywhere to be seen when times are tough. Do they have any idea about football?
“Not everything is about money. They have to re-think this decision.”
Fulton, a former teammate of Peters, said on Tuesday that the decision “stinks of being agenda-driven”.
“The faceless men should show some guts, put their hands up and not hide behind new chief operating officer David Perry, who has been in the job for five minutes,” he said.
“This issue isn’t needed as the team looks forward to winning another premiership. It will split the side wide open and if David Perry wants to go down this track, he will have to wear the ramifications of getting the supporters, the team and majority of sponsors offside.”
Kennedy, a former NSW and Australia forward who was named in Manly’s team of the century, said “I love Des Hasler and the boys but Manly has lost me forever”.
“One hundred per cent,” Kennedy said.
“I am absolutely heartbroken. Zorba has lived and breathed and bled for Manly over 40 years. This is an absolute disgrace.”
Peters will finish his role at Manly following the NRL grand final on October 2.
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