We continue ‘Our Proud History’ series as part of our 70th Year Anniversary. The Sea Eagles were granted entry to the 1947 NSWRL first grade competition on November 4, 1946.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles played their second game in just two days on this day, April 26, in 1954.
On Saturday, April 24, 1954, Manly beat St George 22-12 at Kogarah Oval with the round six match attracting a crowd of 7,900.
Rees Duncan scored two tries in the win with Kevin Fleming and John Hobbs also crossing for tries. Ron Rowles kicked five goals.
Two days later, the Sea Eagles backed up on Monday, April 26, for their round seven match against Newtown Jets at Brookvale Oval.
Rowles scored a try and kicked four goals for a personal tally of 12 points in the 16-all draw. Gordon Willoughby scored Manly’s other try while Allan Batty kicked a field goal.
It wasn’t just the players who had to back up twice in two days with referee Darcy Lawler doing both of Manly’s games.
Manly finished the 1954 season in fifth place under Coach Ray Norman. The premiership was won by South Sydney.
Manly’s history on April 26
Played 9: Won 3, loss 5, drawn 1
Rd 3, 1947: South Sydney 15 d Manly 13
Rd 4, 1948: Western Suburbs 41 d Manly 10
Rd 7, 1954: Manly 16 drew Newtown 16, Brookvale Oval (two day turnaround)
Rd 5, 1970: Manly 22 d North Sydney 13
Rd 5, 1981: Newtown 20 d Manly 8
Rd 7, 1998: Manly 22 d South Sydney 18, Brookvale Oval.
Rd 7, 2008: Manly 30 d Bulldogs 22, Brookvale Oval.
Rd 7, 2010: Gold Coast 24 d Manly 22, Brookvale Oval.
Rd 7, 2013: South Sydney 20 d Manly 12, Brookvale Oval.
