The upcoming Thursday night clash against the Sydney Roosters at 4 Pines Park highlights Manly's early trailblazer, captain-coach Wally O'Connell, and his remarkable legacy at Brookvale.
O'Connell is a figure of integrity in the storied history of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
After three challenging seasons in the NSWRL since 1947, Manly sought O'Connell to fill the captain-coach position.
A junior from Eastern Suburbs, he played 89 first-grade matches with the Sydney Roosters and clinched a premiership in 1945. In 1948-49, he debuted for the Kangaroos during their tour of England.
Young prop Roy Bull, Manly's first international, played a significant role in persuading O'Connell and hooker Kevin Schubert to join Brookvale during their 1949 New Zealand tour.
A Trust Fund was initiated to entice Australian players to Manly, successfully raising over 1000 pounds.
After returning from England, O'Connell aimed to coach at Easts but was passed over, leading him to a player-coach role with Christian Brothers in Wollongong in 1949.
Moved by the commitment shown by Manly officials, O'Connell signed a three-year contract as player-coach in 1950.