Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have today launched its 70th Year Anniversary in spectacular fashion.
It is 69 years to the day – November 4, 1946 – that the NSWRL granted the Sea Eagles entry to the 1947 first grade competition. Since then, the mighty Sea Eagles have gone on to win eight first grade premierships to become one of the most successful Rugby League Clubs in the history of the game.
The launch – held at Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club - also saw the Sea Eagles announce:
· CoCo Joy as the new Major Partner for the next three seasons;
· ZTE as the new jersey Sleeve Partner, joining CoCo Joy, Daikin, Kyocera and URM as jersey partners;
· Kyocera upgrading their support to be now included on the back of the 2016 jersey;
· The 2016 jersey is the most lucrative in the Club’s history;
· The unveiling of the 70th Year merchandise range including the Home, Away and Anniversary jerseys;
· The launch of a new online merchandise store that sees all profits go back to the Club;
· Record numbers of supporters joining as Members ahead of the 2016 season with 2,317 (54%) more Members than the corresponding day last year; and
· A trial match against the ‘Harlem Globetrotters of Rugby League’, the Ipswich Jets, at Pittwater Park on the Northern Beaches.
New Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Head Coach Trent Barrett and his coaching staff were present for the launch, alongside new recruits including Nate Myles, Matt Parcell and Darcy Lussick. They were joined by established stars Jamie Lyon, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic.
One of the special guests at the launch was former player, coach, and long-serving administrator, Ken Arthurson. The ‘Godfather’ spoke about his days as a Freshwater Junior Rugby League player, the formation of the club and its rich history.
Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn said November 4 would always be a significant date for the Club.
“Today is a very proud milestone for this great Club. To be widely recognised as one of the most successful and iconic Rugby League Clubs in the greatest game of all is testament to the people who came before us, and to those who are now representing the Sea Eagles brand, both on and off the field,’’ Penn said.
Manly Warringah CEO Joe Kelly said that the future is looking bright for the Sea Eagles.
“The Club is on the eve of an incredibly exciting new area. Today, while recognising our wonderful history, we have unveiled two new major partners and announced record membership numbers. This is a clear show of support for the direction the Club is heading in,” Kelly said.
“On the field, there’s a real sense of optimism with Trent leading a new look coaching staff and strong playing roster that will see the Sea Eagles very competitive next season.”
