Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are set to pass the 100,000 mark in home crowds at their next game at 4 Pines Park following the unprecedented support in 2024.
In just six home games this season, a combined 96,663 Sea Eagles members and fans have crammed into one of the NRL's great traditional suburban grounds.
In five of those games, crowds of more than 17,000 have played their part in lifting the Sea Eagles to victory against some of the NRL's premiership heavyweights.
Furthermore, the home games have been sold out well ahead of the actual match day such is the demand to see the exciting Sea Eagles 'Class of 2024' play.
The biggest home crowd of the season to date came in round eight when 17,385 fans saw the Sea Eagles pump arch rivals Parramatta Eels in a 32-18 victory.
On Sunday, a crowd of 17,187 help lifted a wounded Sea Eagles outfit off the canvas to record a 30-14 victory over St George-Illawarra in one of the most courageous wins seen at 'The Fortess' in some time.
The Sea Eagles were forced to play 46 minutes with just 13 men and one interchange player in a memorable victory that saw Manly climb into eighth spot.
“Honestly, I love how well supported we are by the community here,'' said Manly Coach Anthony Seibold.
“The crowd here (today) gave the boys the impetus to keep fighting hard till full-time.
“It was certainly the toughest win (in my time here).
New Manly hooker Jake Simpkin said his club debut game was made even more special by the crowd.
“You can’t describe it what a home crowd can be like. This is my first time here obviously as a home player. I played here a couple of times against it. I don’t think I ever got a win here at Brookie,'' Simpkin said.
“The fans are awesome. Anytime you get a sold out crowd at home is special.
“That was pretty cool to experience it on my club debut. It was awesome."
Forward Nathan Brown is another who thrives off the energy off the home crowd with his now famous bullocking runs off the back fence that has quickly made the first season Sea Eagle a cult hero.
“A massive shout to the fans that come here each week when we play. We love it and we can’t thank them enough,'' Brown said.
The Sea Eagles have four home games remaining at 4 Pines Park, with three of those matches on Sundays.
One can only imagine how much higher the crowd figures could be at a ground that is crying out for a funding upgrade.
"Just keep coming, Manly fans. It honestly helps us so much,'' added proud local junior Ben Trbojevic.
"Your support is incredible."
| Sea Eagles Home Crowds at 4 Pines Park 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Rd 2: Beat Sydney Roosters 21-14 | 17,284 |
| Rd 5: Beat Penrith Panthers 32-18 | 17,381 |
| Rd 8: Beat Parramatta Eels 32-18 | 17,385 |
| Rd 9: Lost to Canberra Raiders 26-24 | 10,215 |
| Rd 12: Beat Melbourne Storm 26-20 | 17,211 |
| Rd 15: Beat St George-Illawarra 30-14 | 17,187 |
