LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Today, September 16, 2023, marks a significant milestone for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles as they celebrate 51 years since winning their first ever premiership title in 1972.
According to the official Sea Eagles website, the grand final flashback takes us back to the thrilling encounter between the Sea Eagles and the Eastern Suburbs Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Under the guidance of Coach Ron Willey and led by captain Fred Jones, the Sea Eagles emerged victorious with a 19-14 scoreline.
This triumph was the culmination of a remarkable season for Manly, who had remained unbeaten in the last 15 rounds of the competition to claim the minor premiership.
In the major semi-final, they had already demonstrated their dominance by defeating Easts 32-8, setting the stage for their grand final appearance.
The 1972 premiership win was particularly significant for Manly, as it came after five previous grand final defeats in 1951, 1957, 1959, 1968, and 1970.
Building a formidable team was crucial to their success, and credit goes to Club Secretary Ken Arthurson for assembling a strong side.
Arthurson's recruitment efforts brought in talented players like John O'Neill and Ray Branighan from Souths, Ken Irvine from North Sydney, Graham Eadie from Woy Woy, and the fiery and skillful young Englishman, Malcolm Reilly, from Castleford.
The team that took to the field in the grand final comprised of Graham Eadie, Ken Irvine, Ray Branighan, Bob Fulton, Max Brown, Ian Martin, Dennis Ward, Bill Hamilton, Fred Jones, John O'Neill, Allan Thomson, Terry Randall, and Malcolm Reilly.
Ron Willey was the mastermind behind their success, guiding them to victory and etching their names in rugby league history.