The Fan Day was awesome, very well organised (apart from lack of an outdoor PA) and very well attended, considering the heat. Here's a bit of a summary.
Saw the firsts training, they all looked sharp and appeared to be being conditioned for the heat in the forthcoming few weeks. Seibs spoke to them at the end and then they all high-fived each other (may not be unusual but I thought it was a nice touch).
Next were 2 Q&A sessions in the Members' Lounge for (all) members only - the 1st with Seibs, DCE and Jake. Apparently the 2nd was with Seibs, DCE and Reuben. There were many Q&A's. Seibs spoke very well and answered some curly questions (eg his time at Brisbane) from members impressively. Another question was about coaching with Eddie Jones and he said he gained much knowledge from him. He also told EJ to keep his hands off Koula! Has focused a lot in the offseason on 'togetherness'.
DCE answered a question about who's impressed him in the offseason by saying Koula and Cooper Johns. Is also going to miss his good friend and former teammate in Foz but is looking forward to seeing some new players step up and get their chance.
Jake spoke with a slightly emotional voice about the highlight of his career being round 9 in 2022 when the 3 brothers were named and played in the starting side against the Tigers and Ben scored 2 tries.
The local clubs had tents set-up in the park behind Brookie and the players who are local juniors were in their respective tents signing and having photos with the fans. Other non-local players mingled with the fans. I have to say all the players were very well behaved, friendly, accommodating and grateful for our support and good wishes. Many players in last night's trial game were there and all the lower grade/trial & replacement/fringe players were so pleased that we actually knew who they were and talked to them on their progress and hopes for the future.
Well done Manly!
PS I'm not in any of the Fan Day photos but I did manage to briefly talk to Cuzzo (who hosted the Q&A). I asked him how Fletcher Myers is but he said he hadn't heard. My son praised him for all the informative articles on players and offseason activities he has published. Cuzzo also mentioned how 'open' Seibold is with himself, the media and players' availability to the media. And one last thing - Cuzzo said now that the 'old contacts' have gone, the media aren't going to publish stories before Manly do.
www.seaeagles.com.au
