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Today I continue my series my naming Manly Sea Eagles all-time team.
Manly have been one of the most consistent NRL teams, winning a premiership in every decade since the 70s. So it’s no surprise they have had some great players to make a solid team.
1. Graham Eadie
20 caps for Australia, one cap for NSW, fullback of the year, Rothmans Medal Winner
It was extremely difficult to leave out Brett Stewart but Eadie pips him with his rampaging running style and ball skills. Eadie beat the Sharks all by himself in the 1978 grand final, was an accomplished goal kicker and a was key figure in the ’70s Kangaroos team.
2. Tom Mooney
Mooney was a key piece in Manly backline in the ’70s, he was top try scorer on multiple occasions. A very safe and smart player.
3. Bob Fulton
35 caps for Australia, 16 for NSW, RLW player of the year
Fulton, who is one of the eight Immortals of rugby league, used his amazing ability to read the game and had blistering pace and upper body strength to make breaks with ease. It seemed at times Fulton could score whenever he pleased. Greatest player to play for Manly.
4. Jamie Lyon
10 caps for Australia, eight for NSW, four-time centre of the year, three-time RLIF centre of the year and Man of Steel
Lyon has been the best centre for last five years, he has a great knack of setting up his winger and great touch and poise. Lyon has an unusual chubby body shape which made him hard to tackle. He has been the driving force behind Manley’s success over the last eight years.
5. Michael O’Connor
18 caps for Australia, 19 for NSW, three-time centre of the year
He played centre for Manly but on the wing for rep teams. O’Connor a dual international, had great evasiveness and chip and chase made him most talented backs ever seen.
6. Cliff Lyons
6 caps for Australia, 6 for NSW, two-time Dally M Medal Winner, RLW player of the year, Clive Churchill Medal Winner, two-time five-eighth of the year
Cliffy was a Brookvale favourite and he won multiple awards despite not playing many rep games. He found a way to set up his teammates, most notably Steve Menzies. Lyons also used his waving time to score some great tries.
7. Geoff Toovey
10 caps for Australia, 15 for NSW, hooker of the year
Toovey played with immense passion and heart. His small frame made him elusive and he had great spark in attack.
8. Roy Bull
23 caps for Australia
Bull played like a bull. He had a hard, straight running style and was heartless at times where it seemed he really wanted to hurt his opponents.
9. Max Krilich
13 caps for Australia, 8 for NSW
Great leader who captained the 1982 Invincibles. Krilich was a hooker that played well both in attack and defence.
10. John O’Neill
10 caps for Australia, five for NSW
He was known for brutally punishing his opposition with his runs and hits. Was a force who made Manly a feared pack.
11. Terry Randall
11 caps for NSW
Randall was the hardest hitter in the 70s. He was very aggressive player who inspired Manly to play smash mouth football and he was also a rock in defence.
12. Steve Menzies
13 caps for Australia, 20 for NSW, rookie of the year, three-time second rower of the year, lock of the year and Brad Fittler medal winner
A Manly legend who from a very young age showed the makings of a class player. He had a great face for his position. Menzies had great support play and ran the prefect lines and was very good in defence.
13. Malcolm Reilly
9 caps for Great Britain
Fiery Pom who had a rare mix of aggression and ball playing. He was also known for his kicking game which is uncommon for a lock. Led Great Britain to many victories over Australia.
Bench
Des Hasler, Paul Vautin, Anthony Watmough and Alan Thompson
Manly have an awesome squad. Their pack is full of fiery, super aggressive, hard hitting old school players who will bash and bruise opponents. Their elusive halves pairing of Toovey and Lyons would be very hard to contain with their darts and elusiveness.
Their outside backs are all class, from the unreal talent of Michael O’Connor to the excellence of Jamie Lyon and Graham Eadie. Then there’s the utter brilliance of Immortal Bob Fulton who can tear teams apart at will.
Manly’s all-time team is the real deal with no weakness, they are no doubt one of the best all-times, but are they the best ever? That will be remain to be seen.
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