More comments are here.
Bad luck Manly, on losing to Canberra. I'm sure that missed knock on didn't help. But look on the bright side, it may well be Field's last game.... we can only hope & pray!. Sorry Fieldsy your no Cliffy (or Tooves) & I'd recon another year of Cliffy would be worth more than another year of Fieldsy. Say isn't the 'experts' from the other clubs who are saying Cliffy shouldn't play another year. Of course THEY don't think he should play! But do what you think is best Cliffy ...Of course we could always give Solo another go & see if he will bring his mate along too (no not her!!..well of course she's welcome but I mean).. Mundine. Those two could bring some real spark into the side.
It certainly could have been a better year, but at least you managed to scrape into the semis....but not much else. I'd suggest watching the rest of the final & learning a bit from the other teams.. ie ball handling & a bit of passion. Let's hope '99 will be a better year. And Cliffy thanks for the memories.
My thoughts are to the future with a hope Manly have learnt from the past. I said in this forum at the start of the season that Craig Field is not a team player and never will be. After that performance on Friday night against Canberra he would not even get a start in Metropolitan Cup side. I defy anyone to name a club in the NRL that would be thinking of buying him.
I am very proud of the boys for making the top ten and should have backed my confidence in them with a bet after round 1. Talk is that Manly may still need a merger even after the Bears went North. I would like to believe that Manly could/should stand on their own. When you look at the traditional clubs and the talks they are having I am not so confident. Does anyone know the criteria? I know you need certain crowd figures etc. So I am calling all diehards who may not have been to as many games as they might to come out and support your team befroe it is too late. It would be a pity that a team like Auckland could survive at the expense of Manly in the year 2000.
Cliff Lyons would have to be the best player inthe world, lets see if Ricky Stuart, Langer, Andrew Johns are going around at their best at 36 years of age. Cliffy your the best.
stu
So long as Manly want to get maximum value out of the Beaver (not to mention Luke Phillips and a couple of others), they should keep Cliffy in working order.
patrick
I would just like to take the time to say congratulations to cliff Lyons, he has been one of the greatest players for manly, and one of my most favourite players for the team.
I will be upset to see him go and manly want be the same. All i can say now is good luck to you Cliff Lyons and all the best.
Angela
p.s we will always love you.
Congratulations to Cliff Lyons on a brilliant career and thanks for the many memories he's given us Manly supporters. The way he continuouly created tries is something the Manly faithful will never forget. From the try he scored in the '87 grand final to the match-winner in the '95 semi against NewCastle, we could always turn to Cliffy.
It's sad to think that every time he runs on to the paddock may be his last game. Although the standard of opposition is high and we need to win six straight, I don't believe winning the '98 premiership is beyond the realms of possibility. Having Jim Serdaris back will be great for Manly in the finals (should we get there). Although I'm not one for excuses I'd like to bet it would have been a different story in last years G.F if Serdaris had've played. With all the emotion surrounding the loss of Cliff Lyons, last years grand final loss and the fact every one has written us will mean the boys will be fired up every week.
Good luck against Auckland and lets hope Cliffy finishes his last game as a winner.
Doug
I wouldn't have missed last Sunday at Brookie for anything. Everyone there had braved the rain for one reason - to see our hero Cliffy Lyons weave his magic one last time. I'll never forgot the deafening roar every time Cliffy had the ball, or the crowd erupting at the end of the game with a standing ovation as our hero did a lap of honour. It was quite an emotional experience for anyone who's experienced & appreciated Cliff's contribution to the Manly team over the years with his entertaining & unpredictable style of play. If Cliffy was having a good game, you could bet your life Manly was going to win, & this was usually the case. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Cliff. You were a credit to the game & accepted all situations with your usual dignity. We'll certainly miss you.
Simone
Unfortunately I could not make it Brookie on Sunday to farewell that grand old gentleman Sir Cliff Lyons. Yes that's what I reckon they should add to his title, drop the Mr & add "Sir".
It is almost impossible to imagine a Manly game without Cliffy there setting up trys for Beaver Menzies (I just wonder how many of his career 88 trys were scored.....Lyons to Menzies who scores???????? ....it would be interesting to know?) And what about his efforts in the 1987 and all the 90's Grand Final's (hope there is one more there for you Cliff), truely unforgetable.
I watched from afar on Sunday and Foxtel did not show any of the post game celebrations and despite the wet weather I hope everyone at the game gave him the sendoff he deserves. Look I know everyone is sad to seem him go, and so am I, and yes perhaps he would have been a great fresh reserve for another couple of years but the game must go on as does life.
To Sir Cliff, you have been the heart and soul of the Eagles for the last 13 years, good luck in your retirement (but it's ok for you to play in the UK) and most of all,
"Thanks for the memories"
Mark from Moree
Cliffy would be retained if the salary cap could be over come. He has one or two more years left in him and is willing to provide proof. The sad facts are that the club has to set its sites not only today but in the future years and this is the nature of the game that the clubs and teams have to take to make sure that the entire club will remain a force into the next century.
Flash.
Well I guess it had to happen some time.I was expecting at least one more season with Cliff Lyons at Manly but it's not to be.He is an absolute legend and Manly won't be the same without him.The most memorable club game i have seen him play is the 61-0 win over St George.That was unbelievable.I also remember a state of origin game played in America.The fourth game of the series and Lyons played pretty well then.I'd like to see how Manly handle him if he ever plays them in a different team.
Cliffy Lyons is STILL a legend. His fantastic passes, kicks and leadership have made him one of the best players I've seen in the Manly ranks. If Manly don't offer Cliff a contract the club and the fans will be all the poorer for it. There is obviously another season or two for Lyons at first grade level. He has played an inspirational role in Manly's fantastic run home to this years finals. Thanks to his great work Manly might still make it. He has played some really inspirational footy. It is my opinion that the Manly board needs to sit down and think about what this decision means for the club. They'll lose an experenced player whp shows skill, commonsense, leadership and style on the field. To see Ciffy shelve that maroon and white jersey will be a sad day for the fans the club and the sport !
Alli
Sydney
Cliff Lyons is one of the Manly's all time legends and we wil miss him greatly - I have so many memories of Cliffy but the two that I will never forget were his efforts in our last two Grand Final victories. In 1987 his try off the scrum, as he dummied his way through the Canberra backs and in 1996 his kick through for Innes to score was sensational. Also any one who has the 96' GF on video - watch Cliffys face as the clock ticks down to the last 5 seconds - the smile is bigger than that on Luna Park.
An afternoon at Brookie will not be the same with out our Cliffy!
Andrew Gee
Cliff Lyons has been one of Manly's most important players over the last decade, with creativity, athleticism, tons of heart and a fine football brain. I remember the '87 Grand Final, when he scored the try that got the ball rolling and a semi against Canberra (which Manly actually lost, I think the score was something like 34-26), where he played the best game of league I have ever seen anyone play, and won the man of the match award. Sadly, it seems that the salary cap means that they can't keep him on for another year (though if your surname is Toovey different rules apply). Whatever your opinion about how the club management has treated him, make sure that you you get out to Brookie on Sunday to give him the reception that he truly deserves.
Graeme
Cliffy: the most creative player of the modern era, thank god Manly had his services, if it wasnt for his mastermind, manly wouldnt be half the team they are. The best part of his game was that everybody knew he would create something but nobody knew what, when, or how to stop him. this alone makes him a true legend, and one of the greatest ever to wear the maroon and white. thanks for the memories.
alex
My personal view is that cliffy could go another year possibly two, But the game of today is run as a profitable concern and that means business thinking is formost. If the dollars and cents can be over come in regards to the salary cap there would be no if or buts that Cliffy would be around for next year.
I urge all Manly supporters to be at Brookie this Sunday to farewell one of the best - Cliffy Lyons. I also urge you all to send Cliffy an email. Let's say goodbye to one of the best in the manner he deserves.
Simone
I don't understand why Nappa can 't get the same salary cap exemptions as Toovey. He has been at heaven for 13 years, what more can you ask. Cliffy, depending on his confidence, must be amongst the best ever attaking players in the game. If he wants to play, let the man. Manly owe him that. Unfortunately, football is a business. I would hate to see Cliffy playing for someone else.
What the hell are we going to do without Cliffy?
For 13 years he has single handedly controlled our attack and without him on the park we look like lost sheep.
In my opinion he is the greatest ball player I have ever seen and possibly the greatest footballer.
"THE FIRM" - the organisation he and Steve Menzies setup 5 years ago will now go bankrupt and believe it or not, if you think we're going bad this year, wait till we play a season without King Cliffy to save us.
So here's hoping through some miracle he stays with us next year, or else God help Manly when he runs on against them in 1999.
Anthony Michaels
I heard on tonights news that Manly have sacked Cliff ? First of all is that true, if not what is going on with Cliff, is he being forced into retirement, why are the club letting him go, surely they are not blaming cliff for the sides average year. Has the club got a replacement in mind other than luke phillips ( no offence to luke intended).
If Manly make the playoffs will cliff be playing, i believe we need him to progress further than just the first semi.
Any comments please reply - Manly forever
Steve
Listen everyone, I just saw Cliffy being interviewd on TV and he is so sad that Manly dont want him, he stressed that he is very keen to play one more year. HIs form is excellant so whats wrong with the powers that be at Manly. So PLEASE everyone write to the Club, tel them that we need Cliffy. Just imagine if we hadnt had him this year....wooden spoon maybe???? We have to get them to offer him a contract, he said he is considering offers from local and OS clubs if Manly reject him, can you imagine us playing against him next year, carving up Manlys defence, no way, hes got to stay. So everyone write and lets get Cliff another year in Maroon and White. The fax number for the club is +61 2 9905 0403, or email them at info@seaeagles.com.au.
Heres to Canterbury and Cronulla both losing Sat night and us winning Sunday with Cliffy having a blinder.
Wendy.
Gold Coast
Well, it was the news that most of us Eagles fans were dreading. Cliff is hanging up his Brookie boots. It's hard to accept that the club couldn't find room for him for one more year - especially as his form doesn't seem to be deserting him and he seems as keen as ever. He deserves to be in a semi-final side for one last time. So here's to the forever great Cliff slipping a screamer to a flying Menzies on Sunday. That image will bring the Brookie crowd to their feet as it always has.
Brendan.
I have it on very good authority that Anthony Collela will NOT be leaving Manly. Anthony,"buddha" to his mates, has worked extremely hard over the past 18 months with the aim of his contract being renewed with the eagles. He has a close relationship with Bobby Fulton as he has been friendly with the Fulton family since he was young. These elements alone will ensure that he snaps up what he is offered by Frank Stanton & co, although it may be less than what the doggies can\will\have offered.
Jim
I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW HAPPY I AM THAT THEY HAVE DECIDED TO KEEP TOOVEY. EVEN THOUGH THEY WON'T WIN THIS YEAR, WE HAVE ALL GOTTA KEEP OUR HOPES UP FOR NEXT YEAR.
BROOKE.
Whilst browsing through the internet I came across an article on Terry Hill titled "Terry's Hill-arity rules! Ok?" by Tim Prentice and wanted to make this comment.
I remember Terry Hill from Erskineville Public School, I went to class with his brother Troy (I wonder what happened to him?). Not an avid football fan I was sitting down with a bunch of guys one day (many years ago) whilst they were watching a game, Manly and St George I think it was, when the commentator said "Terry Hill". I glanced at the TV screen thinking it can't be, since then he's just been everywhere, commercials, footy show, and now an article on the internet! It's great to see that he has made a success with his career.
Sandra
P.S. Even at school Terry was always playing football and dispite his lisp, he was quite popular with all the girls!!
Congratulations to Manly on a great win on Sunday. The team scored another three fair tries but some poor refereeing decisions robbed the Manly boys of a comfortable win. Add those to the two fair tries they had disallowed in the St George and Illawarra games and the Manly for and against would be decidedly more healthy. Even Roy 'fibro' Masters couldn't contain himself and chastised the poor refereeing of Sunday's game in Monday's SMH.
I have some goodies to give away to a genuine collector of Manly Sea Eagles articles. They include:
Go the Eagles!
Congratulations Manly and congratulations to the 15 000 supporters that were on hand to witness a great game of football made into a close contest thanks to some woeful referee and touch judge decisions. I don't like to criticise referees but if it wasn't for the skill of Craig field and the strength of John Hopoate (both responsible for Manly's last try), the officials would have cost Manly a semi-final berth. The way I see it we need to win all remaining games to reach the playoffs.
What great games Alf Duncan, Anthony Colella and Luke Phillips had. But it was Craig Field that really impressed me. Despite often copping a lot of blame for Manly losses, and the unfair comparisons to Cliff Lyons he recieves, he continues to back his own ability and he is a key to Manly's final charge.
Anyway, good luck down in Adelaide this week and I hope our form continues to improve. If it does we may just surprise a few people that wrote us off earlier this year.
Doug
Well done on an excellent site, being a one eyed Manly supporter since i started playing at Avalon in the late 60s. It is really good to see such dedication from other Eagles fans. Keep up the good work and let's hope the lads can keep it together these last few weeks of comp and whoop em up in the finals.
Graham Stokes
Broken Hill
From one Moree boy to another Moree boy...well done and Alf Duncan you are bound for much bigger things than just the Sea Eagles.
Well done Eagles, an inspiring 80 minutes of football to make the faithfull both proud and looking forward to next week.
I had cancelled those airline tickets to Sydney for September....but maybe...just maybe..I should rebook them!!!!
Mark from Moree
mtramby@mpx.com.au
congratulations on a fantastic site. i live in the wilderness of central queensland, and have no idea of what is going on with my beloved manly. it's great to hear that nik is staying with us. all we need to do now is keep toovs, stop this shit about superleague traitor stuart and win the premiership! as for newcastle, as soon as they all come down from their drug induced stupor, they will realise that we are the true champions of 97. cliffy is god, what will we do without him?
bert
In response to Big Mike Sullivans comments I totally agree, we don't need Ricky Stuart. However Nik Kosef is another matter. Week-in week-out Kosef is always one of Manly's best players. Whether he plays for Manly, NSW or Australia and whether he's in a winning team or a losing team he is always one of the better performers. I know Kosefs demanding a lot lot of money but if we lose him we'll sorely miss his consistency and all-round ability that's made him such a sought after player.
Finally I'd like to encourage everyone to get down to Brookvale this Sunday. After an indifferent start to the year Manly have done well to turn it around but they need the support of us to get down there and show them some support to keep the momentum going.
Doug
I THINK THAT MANLY SHOULD LET KOSEF GO. HE IS NOT A PLAYER WORTH ANYWHERE NEAR 600,000 BUCKS A YEAR. HE IS NOT A MATCHWINNER AND CANNOT REALLY TURN A GAME LIKE A BRAD FITTLER OR ALFIE LANGER.AND AS FOR RICKY STUART HE IS RUNNING ON OLD LEGS. I CAN REMEMBER IN 1995 WHEN OWEN CUNNINGHAM RAN AROUND HIM WITH EASE.PLEASE NOT RICKY!!. LET HIM GO TO PARRAMATTA WITH THEIR FIVE OTHER HALFBACKS. WHO IS BLOODY RUNNING THE PLACE AT THE MOMENT. ALL WE SEEM TO BE IN THE MARKET FOR AT THE MOMENT ARE GUYS OVER 30.WE WILL BE KNOWN AS DADS ARMY.IT IS EMBARRASSING.WHERE THE FUCK IS ARKO. BRING BACK ARKO. BRING BACK ARKO.BRING BACK ARKO.HOW ABOUT SOME YOUNG BLOKES LIKE TRENT BARRETT ECT. NEXT MANLY WILL START NEGOTIATING WITH GEOFF GERARD AND JOHN RAPER.
BIG MIKE SULLIVAN.
I think the match against Balmain on Sunday will be a celebration for all the Manly faithful. We've all perservered through a season of soul-searching and the players have earnt their chance for a crack at the semis. It's turned into a rewarding season after all. I wish the Manly players all the best and look forward to being at Brookie for a big win against the Tigers.
Brendan of Five Dock.
TO SAY MANLY RAN OUT OF PUFF IN THE LASY 60 SECONDS OF THE GRAND FINAL WAS SPOT ON. TO SAY THE KNIGHTS WERE FULL OF RUNNING AT THE SAME TIME AFTER BEING BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL FOR MUCH OF THE GAME, TELLS US A LOT.
Hmmmmmmmmm
WERE THE CHINESE SWIMMERS GUESTS IN NEWCASTLE PRIOR TO THE GRAND FINAL OR WAS IT THE ROMANIAN WEIGHT LIFTERS.
IF MANLY BUY RICKY STUART FROM CANBERRA, THEN THEY HAVE MORE MONEY THEN SENSE. COME ON YOU GUYS AT THE HELM, YOU ARE PROFESSIONALS IN THIS FIELD, TARGET SOMEONE THAT WILL BENEFIT THE CLUB IN THE LONG TERM AND STOP TRYING TO BUY A BLOODY PREMIERSHIP.
THERE ARE YOUNGER, MORE SKILLED PLAYERS GOING AROUND AT THE MOMENT OTHER THEN STUART, AND IF YOU CAN'T SEE THEM, SACK YOUR SCOUTS AND PAY BIG DOLLARS FOR SOMEONE TO FIND THEM.
9th sounds OK We must keep winning though.
1 slip up and we're 10th, 2 ... and ... forget it
Canterbury, Cronulla and Nth Qld all have a hard run home ... let's hope none of them enjoy any upset victories
Jaxx
hi im jon daly i support manly i live in berrima n.s.w i met steve menzies at an australia day ceremony a couple of years ago i think steve is the best hes my hero and i wish to play for manly in the future just to play with steve and the boys so hopefully i can in a couple of years i play for the group6 r.l team so thats a start and just like steve i score trys frequently and i hope manly can get up and win this year and i would love it if steve could hit top form for the fans to rejoice and i definently would so go manly bye.
I am a 16 year old girl who lives in Brisbane and I have been a diehard Manly and NSW supporter all my life. I'd just like to say that if Newcastle hadn't been on drugs when the Premiership was at stake, we most certainly would have won.
I am, and will continue to be, a faithful Manly supporter for the rest of my life. Even though we haven't had the best season, I have still stuck by my team and I will continue to stay that way.
I would like to express my extreme abhorence at the prospect being mooted in the press that Manly might buy Ricky Stuart.
Please no.
Yes we do need to replace Cliff Lyons and Craig Field has been a very mixed experience but Ricky Stuart must be the worst potential stop gap going around. For these reasons
1. Canberra are not letting him go for no reason. They realise his pace is gone and other play is at best erratic. They perform much better with one of the two young Macs at half.
2. Ricky Stuart has always been a suspect tackler. This does not bode well for joining a Manly side whose Defence has been our major weakness this year.
3. He is injury prone. Leaving aside the unfortunate brain thing, Ricky (like the rest of the older Raiders) is lucky to put together three games in a row.
4. He is a total pratt with suspect discipline on the field and a tendancy to get in disputes with others in the club. Ricky is probably one the most highly disliked non Manly players going around. Manly already have enough problem children (who I love anyway) with out getting one who is completely and totally unlovable.
5. He got away with punching Geoff Toovey in a knock out semi forcing Geoff off the field. This should alone disqualify him from ever accepting the warmth and hospitality Manly offers to it's new recruits.
If anyone with any Manly influence reads this, please say no to Stuart. Perservere with Luke Phillips at five eigth or find a young player who can serve us for many years to come.
Well only a few weeks ago I commented that "WE WAS ROBBED", and that was when there was only one of the Knights that had been caught. Well fellow supporters how do you now feel that there has been three!!!!
I was so pleased during the week to hear that Canberra, Penrith & Manly were proven to be "drug free", I am proud of our team even though hey might be losing a few games this year at least they are not winning by "shooting themselves up with go juice"
For my point of view 22 weeks is not a big enough suspension but perhaps it's a start and I also feel that following every player being tested that the NRL should say " ok guys from here on it's a life ban if you are tested positive", does anybody else agree??
By the way it is great that we have an official website now so send Toovs & Nik Kosef a message and say to them "money is not everything stay where the strength is going to be in 99" you can find that at www.seaeagles.com.au.
If you agree (or disagree) send me an e mail and I'll be happy to argue it out with you.
mtramby@mpx.com.au
Mark from Moree
it disgusts me that those newcastle players were taking drugs to enhance the game. i think that they are wankers, and i want to ask the question of whether or not they were taking them in last years final???
It is a shame to see the Knights Grand Final win into disrepute due to the drug cheating of some (or perhaps more) of their players. With three positive tests amongst their Grand Final team, so far, it looks rather bad for the Club - they sem to have a real drug culture up in Newcastle. A further positive test/suspension will really hurt their credibility in both 1997 and 1998.
John
It goes without saying really: could they have won with out the DRUGS? NO WAY.
A fair minded Manly Fan
More comments are here.
Back to the Sea Eagles home
page.