MATAI to retire.......

[Bearfax]

Leaves a big hole in the backline unless Stewart recovers sufficiently and Tom T. can play centre. But like others state, its a sad day to lose Matai, a top centre and nice guy in the Manly side.

He'll be missed but I think retirement is probably the best option if there is such uncertainty regarding the recovery. He's got decades of life to look forward to and he wouldnt want to be disabled because he stayed in the game too long. Best wishes Steve.

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Skivvy is one of the nicest & most genuine human beings on the planet...a true gentleman. More Manly...than the ****ing Manly flag!!!!
One club man....Manly Legend
#4
'Stevie....'

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Why couldn't it be Nate Myles, Lewis Brown and Willame to retire FFS

Will miss him 🙁

 

[Frank]

One of my favourites. I'll miss him.

 

[Vyssini]

It really only seems like yesterday when he made his debut on a sunny Sunday afternoon at the Fortress against the Purple drizzle- I wish him all the best in retirement. Very sad day... as many others have already said, he will be greatly missed.

 

[Kevinward777]

Awesome player and even better person, really hope the club find a way to keep him involved in some official capacity.

 

[Clint]

🙁

 

[Budgie]

I'm actually really glad he's retiring. Love him so much that I'd hate for that neck to be tested any further.
Anyone remember who got him to the club? I imagine it was Crusher.
Love ya Stevie and make the most of your life!

 

[NYEagle]

We are going to miss Matia's energy. No only as a hitman, but also his speed and ability to time his runs and make excellent metres with quick play the balls.
Manly are not the same without this legend on the field.
Finally, his gentlemanly attitude off the field and his smile won over everyone.
NYEagle

 

[Rodo]

A sad day. My heart has just sank. Matai is an absolute champion and a Manly legend and the team will not be the same without him.

Hopefully Manly will give him a Brookie farewell next season which he deserves.

 

[Deleted member 26876]

I feel like a part of my heart has just been ripped out, Lyon first now Matai I thank them for everything they've done, they truly are manly legends and I'll dearly miss em both

 

[Ryan]

We didn't get to say goodbye !! FFS

 

[bob dylan]

Legend.

 

[mave]

An absolute champion, on and off the field.
Will be sorely missed if the club cant keep him on in some off field capacity

 

[Under the Sticks]

A genuine rugby league hard man who wasn't a d&@khead pretty rare combo these days.

I'll really miss his "presence" on the field.

thanks for being a player every Manly fan enjoys supporting. I know we Support most players but we don't necessarily enjoy it. With Steve there is no question.

 

[double hoops]

His Neck must be cactus. He will need a Skivvy to stop his head falling off;-) An injury he got playing for or team. Just like wolfman and Richie Fa'aoso. What all these men have suffered for our team should not be forgotten. All the best Skiv.

 

[simon64]

You can only marvel at how tough Skivvy was on the field.
And what a quietly spoken respectful man he was off it.

I hope he does a lap of honour at our first home game next year. The man has definitely earned it.

 

[sheridanstand78]

Skivvy is one of our greatest. Often played in tremendous pain and always put the team first.

End of a great era. They don't make them any tougher than this guy.

We will miss your commitment and opponents every where will be relieved.

Wishing you a great retirement!!

 

[deanm]

Champion of the highest order Will miss his big hits, Fearless hit ups & team spirit.

Good luck in retirement Skivvi, hope you can remain with the club in some capacity.

 

[SLR5000]

Steve is one of the greatest clubman & toughest players to ever play the game .. He put the fear of god in to all opponents.. They were all looking for him.. No **** wanted a rampaging stevie matai . Ive said it before we will never see the likes of him again.. He didnt give a fuk who you were or how big your reputation was he belted the **** out of the lot of them .. If your a manly fan you love steve matai .. Wat a player! All heart.... Im pleased for him to retire he has nothing more to prove he has given it absolutely everything i for one hope he has a great life with his young family .. Champion..