The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will start celebrations for the Club’s 70th season by inducting three of its elite backline as Life Members.
Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai and Brett Stewart were made Life Members of the Sea Eagles last night by the Board of Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Limited. It is a rare honour to receive Life Membership while still playing.
The three current stars will be joined as new Life Members by former teammate and recently retired front rower Brent Kite, who was also nominated and elected last night.
The four will be given their Life Memberships at the Club’s Season Launch early next year.
They have all played more than 200 first grade games for the Club and won Premierships in 2008 and 2011.
Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn said the four players were more than worthy of Life Member status.
“The Board is delighted to have the four join our illustrious list of Life Members. All have been and remain among our all-time greats,” said Penn.
“They have all helped shape our amazing history and have been part of one of the most successful periods in Manly’s modern era.
“Manly have more 200 game players than any other Club – we are fiercely proud of that tradition and hope to build on it in the future.”
CEO Joe Kelly said Members would be given an opportunity to attend the Season Launch where the Life Membership Presentation will take place.
“It is a landmark day for the Club – never before at Manly have four Life Members been inducted at the same time,” Kelly said.
“What better way to kick off our 70th Year.”
The Sea Eagles Board recognises that Matt Ballin has achieved the 10 year 200 first grade game milestones. The Board applauds Matt's contribution and will favourably look at his achievements in the future.
The records of the four new Life Members are:
BRETT STEWART – Joined Manly from Western Suburbs Wollongong in 2003 and has played 222 first grade games.
STEVE MATAI – Joined Manly from Wynnum Manly in 2005 and has played 222 first grade games.
BRENT KITE – Joined Manly from St George Illawarra in 2005 and played 221 first grade games up to and including 2013.
JAMIE LYON – Joined Manly from St Helen’s England in 2007 and has played 207 first grade games.
