Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have today surpassed the 10,000 Members milestone for the 2017 season.
The milestone comes in the same week the Sea Eagles launched its latest membership drive, ‘Are you Manly’, as part of an aggressive new campaign aimed at increasing their low membership numbers.
Despite being one of the most successful rugby league clubs of all time, winning eight premierships since 1947, the Sea Eagles had the third lowest Membership numbers for all NRL Clubs in 2016 and are currently tracking second lowest this year.
Sea Eagles CEO Tim Cleary says all supporters have a role to play by becoming proud Members and packing out Brookvale Oval this season.
The Sea Eagles will play 10 home games at Brookvale Oval in friendly, family timeslots with three games on a Sunday and four on a Saturday.
"Our campaign is open and honest. We know we have the most passionate supporters in the game,’’ Cleary said.
"We also know they are used to success and sometimes they cheer from afar. We want to change that and pack Brookvale again.
"The players love a full ‘Fortress’ and the indications this week are positive. We have now cracked the 10,000 mark and are setting the sights at 15,000.
“The fans have reacted positively to being down the bottom of the fan base of members. We are confident we will pass several clubs by premiership kick off.”
Sea Eagles Captain Daly Cherry-Evans has encouraged supporters who have not committed to the club to become Members.
“As players, we love nothing more than seeing a packed Brookvale Oval. The lift you get as a player when you first run out and see a sea of Manly colours is something special. You want to perform for your Members,’’ Cherry-Evans said.
“We know last season was disappointing for all and we have worked extremely hard this pre-season to ensure we are ready to deliver from round one.
“The draw has been kind to us and the fact that we play five of our first seven home games at Brookvale Oval is a massive motivation to start the season well.
“It would be great to see the ‘Fortress’ packed with our Members. I encourage every supporter across the Penisula to become proud Sea Eagles Members and really help lift the club on and off the field.”
Manly legend Steve Menzies said a membership provides many benefits for supporters and also for the club.
“We have amazing supporters and we know we can improve on this number. We all have an important role to play to help make this change,’’ Menzies said.
“Membership is a direct measure of the strength and success of a club and contributes to all commercial areas of a club, particularly sponsorship.
“From a Member perspective, you get so many benefits. You don’t have to line up for tickets or pre-purchase tickets online. Your access card guarantees you fast entry.
“The money generated from membership all helps and it all supports the team.”
To become a 2017 Member, call our Membership team on (02) 9970 3000 between 9am and 5pm weekdays.
Become a Sea Eagles Member here