Manly Warringah Sea Eagles is returning its NSW Cup team to its glory days by bringing the reserve grade side into the Penn Centre of Excellence at 4 Pines Park – as well as committing to all its junior programs remaining on the Northern Beaches.
The decision means the NSW Cup team will fly under the banner of Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. This is off the back of a mutual agreement between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Blacktown Workers to now end their partnership, which had been established in 2016.
“We did a very thorough and extensive review that looked into all aspects of running a NSW Cup team, and what is actually best for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles’’ CEO Tony Mestrov said.
“Ultimately, we want to play every home game in the NSW Cup at 4 Pines Park - to solely become the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles again - across all grades from 2025 and beyond.
“Our plan is to play as many home NSW Cup games as possible prior to the NRL either as a double-header or a triple header featuring all Manly teams.
“It worked in the old days, and it can work again.
“Our crowds have been absolutely huge at 4 Pines Park this year, with eight of our 10 home games sold out.
“By fielding a Manly Warringah team in the NSW Cup, we hope to get fans in early and they can cheer for their own team like they used to.
“We are the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. It’s our DNA. It’s as simple as that.”
Manly last tasted reserve grade premiership success in 1988 after previously winning the title in 1954, 1960, 1969, and 1973. They were also minor premiers in 2009.
Mestrov also confirmed that the Sea Eagles would continue to field teams in all junior grades again under the name of Manly Warringah.
“Our local juniors are very important to us, and they will continue to have the opportunity to play for their club, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles,” he said.
“We have made some changes around our Pathways set up and we will make sure the right people are in place to drive and develop the program moving forward.
“It’s business as usual, and there is a lot to like about the future of our club.
“The club would like to thank Blacktown Workers for their tremendous and ongoing support since 2016 and wish them all the best for the future.”
