Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Manly fanatics off to watch Eagles' bid to snare WCC
BY JOEL RITCHIE
25/02/2009
A 23-hour flight halfway around the world might seem like a long way to go to watch a couple of rugby league games, but that doesn't faze Manly maniacs Barry Stewart, Col Eddy and Phil Allen.
The trio leave for England today to watch their beloved Sea Eagles tackle Leeds in the World Club Challenge at Elland Road on Sunday (Monday morning AEDT).
They will be part of a 20-strong tour group of diehards hoping the boys from Brookvale can become the first NRL side to bring home the symbol of international club supremacy since the Sydney Roosters in 2003.
The match is of special interest to Stewart, whose sons Glenn and Brett will line up for Manly fresh from the 40-0 win over Melbourne in last year's grand final.
When they return from England, Glenn and Brett will become the first brothers to launch an NRL season.
Both Wests Illawarra juniors made the trip after having off-season surgery; Brett on both shoulders and Glenn on his right shoulder.
Glenn, who made his Test debut during the World Cup late last year, is one of four top graders who were laid low by a virus in the lead-up to Manly's 34-26 trial win over Harlequins on Sunday.
Barry Stewart, who will be making his first trip to Europe, said Brett told him about Glenn's illness on Friday.
"Four of them were laid up with a virus and Glenn was one of them," Stewart said.
Despite the prospect of only seeing one of his boys play in the Old Dart, Stewart is excited about watching the Sea Eagles take on their Super League counterparts.
"It's the chance of a lifetime, to see the boys play in another country," he said.
Stewart spent last Tuesday week with his sons before they flew out with the rest of Manly's squad. Watching his sons help their club lift another trophy would cap a magical run, Stewart said.
A bonus of the trip is the chance to see Manly stalwart Steve Menzies play for Super League Bradford team against Huddersfield on Friday.
Stewart said his sons hadn't said much about the recent off-field dramas at Manly including the resignation of CEO Grant Mayer and infighting among owners Scott Penn and Max Delmege.
"The boys have kept very quiet, they wouldnt have a clue what's going on," Stewart said.
BY JOEL RITCHIE
25/02/2009
A 23-hour flight halfway around the world might seem like a long way to go to watch a couple of rugby league games, but that doesn't faze Manly maniacs Barry Stewart, Col Eddy and Phil Allen.
The trio leave for England today to watch their beloved Sea Eagles tackle Leeds in the World Club Challenge at Elland Road on Sunday (Monday morning AEDT).
They will be part of a 20-strong tour group of diehards hoping the boys from Brookvale can become the first NRL side to bring home the symbol of international club supremacy since the Sydney Roosters in 2003.
The match is of special interest to Stewart, whose sons Glenn and Brett will line up for Manly fresh from the 40-0 win over Melbourne in last year's grand final.
When they return from England, Glenn and Brett will become the first brothers to launch an NRL season.
Both Wests Illawarra juniors made the trip after having off-season surgery; Brett on both shoulders and Glenn on his right shoulder.
Glenn, who made his Test debut during the World Cup late last year, is one of four top graders who were laid low by a virus in the lead-up to Manly's 34-26 trial win over Harlequins on Sunday.
Barry Stewart, who will be making his first trip to Europe, said Brett told him about Glenn's illness on Friday.
"Four of them were laid up with a virus and Glenn was one of them," Stewart said.
Despite the prospect of only seeing one of his boys play in the Old Dart, Stewart is excited about watching the Sea Eagles take on their Super League counterparts.
"It's the chance of a lifetime, to see the boys play in another country," he said.
Stewart spent last Tuesday week with his sons before they flew out with the rest of Manly's squad. Watching his sons help their club lift another trophy would cap a magical run, Stewart said.
A bonus of the trip is the chance to see Manly stalwart Steve Menzies play for Super League Bradford team against Huddersfield on Friday.
Stewart said his sons hadn't said much about the recent off-field dramas at Manly including the resignation of CEO Grant Mayer and infighting among owners Scott Penn and Max Delmege.
"The boys have kept very quiet, they wouldnt have a clue what's going on," Stewart said.