Just want to say I spent a very enjoyable afternoon at the S.E. Members Xmas party at Narrabeen. Wednesday afternoon isn't great timing, hence there wasn't a big crowd, but after rescheduling work, I was privileged to be there.
Have to mention all the players were wonderful - approachable, friendly, polite, happily let fans take photos and signed their merchandise and answered our questions.
Apparently pre-season training has been tough (as you would expect from Donny!) but they are all looking fit, even Suli.
A few players came and introduced themselves and/or spoke to me, incl. T-Rex, Tevita Funa, Corey Waddell, Burbo (he's massive!), etc. Have to give a special mention to Edwin Ipape, who introduced himself to me. He's very happy to be at Manly but also, as he looked around at the crowd there, said 'I'm not use to all this'. @HappilyManly in another thread was right to say coming to Narrabeen must be a huge culture shock for him.
Joel Thompson confirmed he's re-signed for 2 years. He's quite emotionally affected by his recent incident but is physically healed and fit for 2020.
AFB's recovered from his shoulder surgery and has just started light training. Said he's quite confident he'll be fit for the start of 2020. Jake's arm's still in a sling and has noticeably lost some weight but said he's 'optimistic' about being fit to start in 2020.
Notable absentees - DCE, Marty and Jorge.
Thought I'd post a few notes for those unable to be there. Thanks to Manly for putting on a great afternoon and to Des for bringing back the Manly culture in the team
Have to mention all the players were wonderful - approachable, friendly, polite, happily let fans take photos and signed their merchandise and answered our questions.
Apparently pre-season training has been tough (as you would expect from Donny!) but they are all looking fit, even Suli.
A few players came and introduced themselves and/or spoke to me, incl. T-Rex, Tevita Funa, Corey Waddell, Burbo (he's massive!), etc. Have to give a special mention to Edwin Ipape, who introduced himself to me. He's very happy to be at Manly but also, as he looked around at the crowd there, said 'I'm not use to all this'. @HappilyManly in another thread was right to say coming to Narrabeen must be a huge culture shock for him.
Joel Thompson confirmed he's re-signed for 2 years. He's quite emotionally affected by his recent incident but is physically healed and fit for 2020.
AFB's recovered from his shoulder surgery and has just started light training. Said he's quite confident he'll be fit for the start of 2020. Jake's arm's still in a sling and has noticeably lost some weight but said he's 'optimistic' about being fit to start in 2020.
Notable absentees - DCE, Marty and Jorge.
Thought I'd post a few notes for those unable to be there. Thanks to Manly for putting on a great afternoon and to Des for bringing back the Manly culture in the team
