The new Sea Eagles community team, Manly Leagues, can be very proud of their achievements in their debut season in the Sydney Shield competition in 2024.
The Sea Eagles won eight of their 18 games under first time coach Anthony Watmough to finish the season on 20 points, just three points out of the top five.
The new team was supported by Manly Leagues, Manly Warringah Rugby League Football Club, Manly Warringah Junior Rugby League, and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
For many of the young players in the Manly Leagues team, 2024 marked the first time many played against more seasoned opponents in the open age men’s competition. The average age of the side was just 19.
“I’m extremely pleased with the spirit and hard work of these young men,’’ Watmough said.
“To see us give this competition a big shake and to just fall short of our goal of the finals was a bit disappointing, but no one expected us to go this well except for those involved with our Pathways program.
“To see these young men come through our junior pathways that have been overlooked for years and to put their hand up and show that the Northern Beaches have an abundant of talent waiting to be explored has been very pleasing.
“We also had young men, who have barely won a game in the past few years, step up and learn how to win and be confident in their football and be ready to take the next step in their rugby league careers.”
Throughout the season, Manly Leagues claimed some big scalps along the way to earn themselves the ‘giant killers’’ tag.
They knocked over the then competition leaders St Marys 28-12 on a day 11 local Manly juniors took to the field at 4 Pines Park.
Another good scalp was claimed when Manly Leagues also upset then leaders Mounties 34-26 with the team featuring five Manly SG Ball players from earlier this season.
“We have the structure in place now and we know the system works,’’ Watmough added.
“The only thing that will hold us back from developing the next batch of local superstars will be if we don’t get the support we need.
“The last time, we as a club had great success, was when we had a majority of local juniors in our top squad.
“We need to rebuild what we have lost over the last 10 years within the Manly District Junior Rugby League.
“It’s not a quick fix but we know what we can do with time and resources. We will then get the flow on effect to the top grade.”
