LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
On September 29, 1996, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles emerged victorious in their sixth premiership, defeating the St George Dragons 20-8 in the Grand Final at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Led by captain Geoff Toovey and coached by Bob Fulton, the Sea Eagles displayed their dominance throughout the finals series, triumphing over the Sydney City Roosters 16-14 in the qualifying final and demolishing Cronulla 24-0 in the preliminary final before securing the ultimate victory against the Dragons.
This triumph marked the Sea Eagles' first-grade premiership since their previous successes in 1972, 1973, 1976, 1978, and 1987.
Notably, it was also Bob Fulton's second premiership as a coach, having previously won three premierships with Manly as a player.
The Sea Eagles' lineup during the 1996 Grand Final consisted of Matthew Ridge, Danny Moore, Craig Innes, Terry Hill, John Hopoate, Nik Kosef, Geoff Toovey, David Gillespie, Jim Serdaris, Mark Carroll, Steve Menzies, Daniel Gartner, and Owen Cunningham, with Cliff Lyons, Neil Tierney, Des Hasler, and Craig Hancock on the bench.
The team's success can be attributed to the exceptional leadership and performance of their captain, Geoff Toovey, as well as the strategic guidance provided by Coach Bob Fulton.