Manly Sea Eagles 1998-1999: What happened?

[ShanghaiEagle]

Yes, it's something to ponder @Mark from Brisbane and it's definitely a huge point that is missed by the uninitiated, ill informed or plain ignorant... BUT it is something that as a Manly supporter I'm extremely proud of - we stood firm for our beliefs ( rightly or wrongly ).
Certainly something that when other supporters say they hate us it is another string to our bow to let them know that without us staying firm, their own club may not exist.

Realistically without us and the Chooks, the ARL would've folded.

Agree with this in so many ways, and proud of Manly as well as the other loyal clubs.

But ... the funds put in should have been documented and treated as a loan, and paid back to the club by the ARL as part of the eventual settlement when the NRL was formed. I know things were different then, but its just basic governance. It amazes me that the amount the club put in is not even known, and even less recognized. Led to the NE debacle and brought the club to its knees after having been such a powerhouse.