LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Manly's hopes of reaching the NRL finals hinge on a miracle, prompting fans to seek help from none other than a priest. Father Jack Robson, a lifelong Sea Eagles supporter from the northern beaches, embodies the community spirit and passion for the club, having followed it for 65 years.
As a parish priest on the Central Coast of NSW, Father Robson-affectionately known as "Robbo"-is unafraid to call upon divine intervention for his team. A decade ago, when Manly faced a daunting minus 61-point differential needing a win in the last round, he publicly sought help from the "boss upstairs" for a victory over Cronulla, as well as a St George Illawarra loss to the Wests Tigers.
His prayers were answered with a Manly victory over the Sharks; however, the Dragons secured a close win over the Tigers, leaving Manly's fate unchanged. Fast forward ten years, and the devoted priest is once again on his knees, hoping for another miracle.
To secure a spot in the playoffs, the Sea Eagles need three favorable outcomes. First, they must decisively beat the top-four-chasing Warriors at 4 Pines Park during the early Friday night match, all while sitting with a negative 81-point for-and-against record. Following that, the Rabbitohs must deliver a significant defeat to the eighth-placed Roosters at Allianz Stadium. If Manly manages to stay in contention by the weekend, they'll need a depleted Canberra team to defeat the ninth-placed Dolphins at Kayo Stadium on Sunday. Achieving this trifecta would truly be remarkable.
"I think the big fella was on an RDO the last time I asked for a favour on Manly's behalf, so hopefully I get a better response this time," Fr Robson shared with Yahoo Sport Australia. "I know I'm asking for a lot but, as Gus Gould always says, rugby league is a funny game. We need help in the time of need. I will remain a true believer until the end."
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