Two great mates sharing two very special milestones.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Lachlan Croker. Both humble and respectful men. Two different journeys to get to Manly but one special night awaits them together in Wollongong on Saturday.
One is a premiership winner and, at age 34, is about to embark on his 300th NRL and club game for Manly.
The other, at 26, has overcome many challenging setbacks to finally reach 100 NRL games.
And despite the 200-game difference between them, both wouldn’t want it any other way, happily sharing the spotlight this week.
No egos amongst these two fine servants of the Sea Eagles. Both publicly praising the other for their achievements. That’s the way it is with these 'old halves' partners.
It’s just another reason why this 2023 Manly Sea Eagles team are a very close band of brothers. The bond within the group and culture is nothing but extremely positive. They trust each other.
For all his achievements at club, state and Test level, Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans deserves the accolades. To become just the second person to reach 300 games as a Manly player is a huge honour, and one so richly deserved. He also becomes the first player to reach 300 games playing in the same position.
Articulate, class and a true leader, ‘Chez’ rates as one of the best half-backs, if not the greatest already, to ever pull on the coveted number seven Manly jersey. His consistency to perform at the highest level over 13 seasons is beyond amazing.
As for Lachlan Croker, the competitive and hard-working hooker typifies the word, resilience.
A former half who arrived at Manly with just one NRL game to his name, ‘Crokes’ has had to overcome three knee reconstructions, hamstrings, and just plain bad luck, but throughout it all, his passion for the game and the Sea Eagles never waned.
It's why he was the obvious choice as Manly captain during the Origin period.
Battle scarred and bruise, Croker's toughness over six seasons at Manly can never be questioned nor can his huge defensive work-rate, not to mention his sneakiness to pull out some great 40/20 kicks.
As for his popularity amongst his team-mates, one only had to be in the room to hear the almighty roar and standing ovation Croker received when his name was read out as the winner of the club’s Roy Bull Best and Fairest award last year.
Not only is this week significant for Cherry-Evans and Croker, it’s also a very special time for their beautiful families as well. For they too have experienced the highs and lows of what the brutal world of the NRL can serve up.
It's just business as usual for both men. Getting their preparations right. Just 'another game', but an extremely important one, at that, with the NRL finals looming fast.
A Manly win in Dragons territory is what everyone wants, and hopes for. Either way, you know 'DCE' and 'Toots' will give it their very all, just like they always do.
And afterwards, when it’s all done and dusted, the pair will again share a well-deserved ‘cold one’.
Just like they do at their beloved 'Brookie', where their lockers are side by side.
As for the rest of us, we should just sit back, enjoy, and truly appreciate what these two great clubmen do in their cherished maroon and white jerseys.
