Cliffy Lyons and Steve Menzies to be honoured with renamed stand at Brookvale Oval

Cliffy Lyons and Steve Menzies combined like no other two Sea Eagles when on the park, which is why this move by Manly make so much sense.

Manly Sea Eagles NRL club legends Steve Menzies and Cliff Lyons are about to be immortalised on the grandstand at 4Pines Park. Picture: Richard Dobson

The most potent combination in Manly history is about to become a permanent fixture at 4 Pines Park. Cliffy Lyons and Steve Menzies spent six years tormenting opponents with their telepathic understanding on the field.

In honour of their gilded partnership, Manly officials have confirmed plans to rename the southern stand at 4Pines Park the Lyons-Menzies Stand.

Significantly, it means Sea Eagles legend Bob Fulton will have his name on the new stand at the northern end of the ground – which will also house the club’s Centre of Excellence.

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Manly chief executive Steve Humphreys informed Lyons and Menzies of the club’s plans earlier this week. The club also shared their plans with the Fulton family and informed the local council.

“Steve (Humphreys) called me yesterday and I got tingles all over my body,” Lyons said.

“It’s part of history now. It’s a perfect fit me and the Beaver (Menzies). I always said to Beaver you hit the hole, you’ll get the ball.”

Menzies was already part of the furniture at 4Pines Park – the southern stand was formerly the Fulton-Menzies stand – but it seems fitting that he now shares a place at stadium with Lyons.

Lyons has played the most games for Manly. Menzies is in second place. When they were together on the field, few could compare.

Pictured at Brookvale Oval in Manly are Manly Sea Eagles NRL club legends Steve Menzies and Cliff Lyons. The Current Fulton-Menzies Stand is being renamed the Lyons-Menzies Stand. Picture: Richard Dobson

Menzies ran towards a hole and Lyons invariably put him through it.

“I couldn’t pick a better person to hang off,” Menzies said.

“I think Cliffy is 13 years older than me and to be able to play a sport professionally and have the closest connection on the field with a player … is pretty cool.

“I have said many times when I first started I was a ball runner and so reliant on someone passing me the ball. I have played with some great ball players but he was the best.”

It seems fitting also that Fulton has a stand to himself given his stature at the Sea Eagles. The Immortal passed away last year but his place in the club’s history is enshrined through his deeds as a player and a coach.

Fulton led the club to premierships with his work on and off the field. He also helped identify much of the talent that takes the field today. Three of his children – Scott, Brett and Kristie – are still involved with the club.

The new grand stand at Brookvale Oval will be named after club great Bob Fulton. Picture: Adam Yip

“It is obviously fitting for him given his contribution to the club for over 50 years,” Brett Fulton said.

“It is a proud moment for the family and is something that will be looked upon with great pride for generations to come.”

Humphreys added: “With 19 grand finals appearances and 8 premierships in our 75 years, the Manly club has a great history of success.

“There is a very long list of inspirational Sea Eagles identities who have played pivotal roles in achieving that success. It is fitting that the stands at 4 Pines Park will carry the names of Manly legends, Bob Fulton, Ken Arthurson, Steve Menzies and now Cliff Lyons in recognition of the immense contributions each has made to the club and rugby league.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the Northern Beaches Council in endorsing our naming recommendations.”

Originally published as Cliffy Lyons and Steve Menzies to be honoured with renamed stand at Brookvale Oval