Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Menzies Plans to Go Out on Top
Andrew Bryan
NRL
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50271
Manly great Steve Menzies has revealed the fear that is driving him to succeed in a season in which he could become the most capped first grade player in Rugby League history.
The 34-year-old has established himself among the greats of the game in a decorated career in which he has won a premiership and World Cup, represented NSW and Australia and risen to second place on the all-time list of first grade games played and tries scored.
But after 14 seasons, 325 games and 167 tries, Menzies wants to ensure he departs the game at the right time.
“It’s a tough situation that every player has to go through,†Menzies said of retirement speculation.
“You don’t want to retire early and wish you’d played another year when you’re retired, but you don’t want to play too long.
“I guess that’s my biggest fear, having people look at me and say, ‘He used to be a great player, what is he still doing out there?’
“That’s the main issue that will keep me from playing if I have any doubts.â€Â
The game’s Centenary season will be a special one for Menzies in many ways.
He needs to play another 25 games to break Terry Lamb’s record of 349 first grade games – a mark he is capable of breaking this season should Manly again make the finals.
And while he has indicated he would like to play on in 2009, this year could be the last time NRL fans see Menzies in action.
“I am only a 10 or 20 per cent chance of playing in 2009,†Menzies said.
“I really didn’t want to close the door and say it is was my last year.
“I just want to enjoy football and if the body is feeling good and if mentally I’m feeling good and the club wants to keep me I’ll play again.
“You’re a long time retired so we’ll see how I go.â€Â
After two narrow losses to start the season the Sea Eagles will be desperate to win when they take on the Warriors at Brookvale Oval on Monday night.
Andrew Bryan
NRL
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50271
Manly great Steve Menzies has revealed the fear that is driving him to succeed in a season in which he could become the most capped first grade player in Rugby League history.
The 34-year-old has established himself among the greats of the game in a decorated career in which he has won a premiership and World Cup, represented NSW and Australia and risen to second place on the all-time list of first grade games played and tries scored.
But after 14 seasons, 325 games and 167 tries, Menzies wants to ensure he departs the game at the right time.
“It’s a tough situation that every player has to go through,†Menzies said of retirement speculation.
“You don’t want to retire early and wish you’d played another year when you’re retired, but you don’t want to play too long.
“I guess that’s my biggest fear, having people look at me and say, ‘He used to be a great player, what is he still doing out there?’
“That’s the main issue that will keep me from playing if I have any doubts.â€Â
The game’s Centenary season will be a special one for Menzies in many ways.
He needs to play another 25 games to break Terry Lamb’s record of 349 first grade games – a mark he is capable of breaking this season should Manly again make the finals.
And while he has indicated he would like to play on in 2009, this year could be the last time NRL fans see Menzies in action.
“I am only a 10 or 20 per cent chance of playing in 2009,†Menzies said.
“I really didn’t want to close the door and say it is was my last year.
“I just want to enjoy football and if the body is feeling good and if mentally I’m feeling good and the club wants to keep me I’ll play again.
“You’re a long time retired so we’ll see how I go.â€Â
After two narrow losses to start the season the Sea Eagles will be desperate to win when they take on the Warriors at Brookvale Oval on Monday night.
