Sea Eagles Members will come from far and wide to Lottoland on Saturday to help lift the team into the Telstra Premiership finals.
To name a few, there is former Manly Member of the Year, Margaret Anthony, who regularly flies from Emerald in Queensland, to passionate member Jason Ryan, who is again flying in from Perth.
However, one family has decided to make the trip to Lottoland even more special as part of a Father’s Day present.
Dedicated Sea Eagles supporter Grant Achilles decided it was time his league loving mad Dad, Vern, experienced his first game at Lottoland.
At the age of 87, Vern was one of five travelling from Toowoomba today to ensure they take their members seats in the Jane Try Stand at Lottoland to watch the Sea Eagles take on the Penrith Panthers.
A Manly victory will see the Sea Eagles make the finals for the first time since 2014.
The pair were joined by Grant’s wife, Darlene, son Jaydn, and his friend, Tim.
The five left Toowoomba at 4am Friday to drive to Brisbane Airport for a 7am flight to Sydney where they will stay two nights in The Rocks before returning to Queensland late Sunday afternoon.
“Vern is a loyal Queenslander…to the Broncos, Cowboys, and the Titans, but he likes the way Manly play and how they never give up trying to win, so he is happy to join us for first game on the northern beaches,’’ Darlene said.
“Grant has followed Manly since early 1970s. I never really followed the league until I met Grant.
“I’m proud to say I am now a Manly fan, as is Jaydn.
“Grant and I try to fly down to a home game every year. The five of us even drove down from Toowoomba to Gosford to watch Manly play Brisbane in 2015. It was a long drive but it was worth it as Manly won.”
Darlene says she quickly discovered Grant’s obsession with the Sea Eagles.
“He drives me crazy,’’ she said, laughing.
“You can’t talk when Manly are playing on television.
“We have plenty of framed Manly pictures. He is just a loyal Manly fan. He lives for them.
“We can’t wait to get to the game and cheer on the mighty Sea Eagles. Let’s hope all our fans make it a packed crowd for the boys.”
Pre-purchase tickets here for Penrith game
Click here for Match Day Information.
