https://www.seaeagles.com.au/news/2019/08/14/sea-eagles-squad-cut-for-tigers-match/
Manly stars to make hospital visit for much loved mentor
Warwick Bulmer has been there through everything for Manly. But after the 78-year-old ended up in hospital, now it’s time for the Sea Eagles to do something for their super fan.
Dean Ritchie, The Daily Telegraph
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August 14, 2019
Win one for Warwick.
Manly players are hoping they get the chance to be at the hospital bedside of a Manly fanatic who has helped belt out their victory song for more than 20 years.
Warwick Bulmer, 78, cracked five ribs, dislocated an elbow and fractured his shoulder in a fall down backyard stairs at his Narrabeen home recently.
Warwick Bulmer has always been there for the Sea Eagles.
Provided they can overcome Wests Tigers on Thursday night, a group of Manly players are planning to leave Brookvale Oval immediately after full-time and quietly sing the team song with Bulmer at Frenchs Forest-based Northern Beaches Hospital, where he is recovering.
Manly players may not even sing the song in their dressing room but wait until they see Bulmer.
“It would bring a tear to Warwick’s eye, don’t worry about that,” said Manly legend Max Krilich, who this week visited Bulmer in hospital.
A Northern Beaches Hospital spokesman said staff had been told there may be a late night visit from some special footballers.
The 78-year-old is the heart and soul of the club and was awarded the Steve Menzies Medal.
Manly don’t want their possible hospital visit to be seen a sign of complacency and know how desperate Wests Tigers will be given they are playing for their season.
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Bulmer first became involved with Manly back in the 1970s. He is now a life member of the football club, Leagues Club and the Sea Eagles.
He has been there for grand final wins, finals victories, home ground wins and away triumphs. He even travels to games on the official team bus and attends every training session.
“Warwick is a great supporter of the team and is loved by the players. He’s a wonderful singer, joke teller and mentor to the players. His absence will be noticed while he is recovering. He is held in high esteem by everybody,” former Manly official and player Peter Peters said.
Manly think about five or six players — maybe more — would make the journey from Brookvale to the hospital if they win.
Krilich planted a kiss on Bulmer’s forehead during his hospital visit this week.
“It would be a beauty if the players did that — it would bring a tear to Warwick’s eye, don’t worry about that,” Krilich said. “It would be a great thing to do. The players love him and he loves the players. He worships the ground the Trbojevic brothers walk on.
Club great Max Krilich visits Warwick is hospital.
“Warwick’s not in a good way. I pick him up and take him to board meetings. He can struggle to get in and out of cars. I even watch him struggle to get down the stairs to lead the victory song.
“But once he gets into that dressing room, he hammers away with our song. He is so passionate about the whole place and how the side is going. He just loves Manly and loves Manly winning.
“He is one of those diehards and is a heartbeat at the club. The passion he shows in leading the victory song — it’s unbelievable. He is just a great human being.”
Manly coach Des Hasler knows Wests Tigers — even without injured star Robbie Farah — will be exceptionally difficult to overcome.
“They are backing themselves so it won’t be an easy game, that’s for sure,” Hasler said. “They will be competitive, don’t worry about that.”
