You may not fully realise it at present Daly, but you have been thrust into a very important role in the fabric of not only the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, but rugby league in general. A position that comes with great power and has been held by some of Manly's and rugby league's finest.
As you are probably aware, Manly are a much despised entity in the rugby league world. Some will tell you this is because of our tactics, both on an off field, our us against them attitude, or any other excuse they can conjure for they're hatred. The true reason, of course, is jealousy. Jealousy of our success, jealousy of our culture.
The misguided individuals that harbour this hatred cannot let it fester inside them. They need a focal point, a target for the outlet of this hatred. Through out our proud history, various champions of the Maroon and White have been the anointed ones. The individuals chosen, rightly or wrongly, to bear the brunt of this hatred. Mal Reilly, Bob Fulton, Les Boyd, Ron Gibbs, Geoff Toovey, Matthew Ridge, Terry Hill, John Hopoate, Steve Matai. All champion players in their day and all the focal point of the hatred towards Manly. The fact all these players carved out successful careers amidst this angst is testament to themselves, and of the very culture that makes others envious.
Now Daly, the mantle has been passed to you. TV panel shows, talk back radio and newspaper columns have had ex players, journos and fans queuing up to lay the boot in. To give their opinion, no matter how ill-informed it may be. Memories of past indiscretions conveniently erased by they're blind hatred. This has seen you become the new focal point of anti-Manly anger. Whether you take on this challenge is, of course, up to you. However, rather than let this hatred control you, you must control it. The men mentioned above, and the club as a whole, have made an art form of manipulating the hate and envy others throw towards it and transforming it into positive energy. They feed off it and let it make them stronger. Channel the spirit of these past and present champions to help you embrace the anger. Envelope yourself in the culture of our great club to show you how to come out the other side stronger than ever, giving them more reason to hate you, thereby giving you more strength.
The power and opportunity is now yours Daly...embrace it!
As you are probably aware, Manly are a much despised entity in the rugby league world. Some will tell you this is because of our tactics, both on an off field, our us against them attitude, or any other excuse they can conjure for they're hatred. The true reason, of course, is jealousy. Jealousy of our success, jealousy of our culture.
The misguided individuals that harbour this hatred cannot let it fester inside them. They need a focal point, a target for the outlet of this hatred. Through out our proud history, various champions of the Maroon and White have been the anointed ones. The individuals chosen, rightly or wrongly, to bear the brunt of this hatred. Mal Reilly, Bob Fulton, Les Boyd, Ron Gibbs, Geoff Toovey, Matthew Ridge, Terry Hill, John Hopoate, Steve Matai. All champion players in their day and all the focal point of the hatred towards Manly. The fact all these players carved out successful careers amidst this angst is testament to themselves, and of the very culture that makes others envious.
Now Daly, the mantle has been passed to you. TV panel shows, talk back radio and newspaper columns have had ex players, journos and fans queuing up to lay the boot in. To give their opinion, no matter how ill-informed it may be. Memories of past indiscretions conveniently erased by they're blind hatred. This has seen you become the new focal point of anti-Manly anger. Whether you take on this challenge is, of course, up to you. However, rather than let this hatred control you, you must control it. The men mentioned above, and the club as a whole, have made an art form of manipulating the hate and envy others throw towards it and transforming it into positive energy. They feed off it and let it make them stronger. Channel the spirit of these past and present champions to help you embrace the anger. Envelope yourself in the culture of our great club to show you how to come out the other side stronger than ever, giving them more reason to hate you, thereby giving you more strength.
The power and opportunity is now yours Daly...embrace it!
