New Old Boys Association for the Sea Eagles

A NEW association has been formed for old Manly players which has already secured some of the club’s greatest players as members.

NRL.Round 9.Brisbane Broncos v Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium.Steve Menzies beats the grasping tackle of Karmichael Hunt to score during Manly's victory 30-12.

MANLY Old Boys have a new association which has already secured some of the club’s greatest players.

Called the Manly-Warringah Golden Eagles Association, the new group is headed by former Sea Eagles forwards Mark Bryant and Josh Perry.

About 70 ex-players attended a function at Manly Leagues Club on Sunday before converging on the Brookvale Oval hill for the game against Penrith.

The new group has though caused a political ripple at Manly.

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There is an existing Old Boy’s association run by ex-Manly centre Darrell Williams.

The new group has high profile co-patrons in Ken Arthurson and Steve Menzies and is modelling themselves on the successful Newcastle Old Boys group.

Mark Bryant during his playing days with the Sea Eagles.

It is understood the Golden Eagles has a five-man committee — Bryant, Perry, Norm Pounder, Brook Eadie and David Hosking.

The Golden Eagles attracted some big names on Sunday, including Max Krilich, Alan Thompson, Ian Thomson, Les Hannigan, Jack Elsegood, Russell Gartner, Graham Eadie, Mal Cochrane, Dempsey Joy and Joe Galuvao.

It is not yet known which group Manly management will back although there is no doubt the Golden Eagles have enormous support from former players.

“The group is there for all players who have played for Manly in any grade — not just first grade,” Bryant said. “We want those players back at the club and we will put on a few functions a year where we can catch up and have a good time.

“We’re not worried about the political stuff. It’s about supporting Manly and enjoying a few beers together as we did on Sunday. And to tell a few stories.”: