The 'Things We Learnt' from Brisbane

What a weekend it was for the Sea Eagles in Brisbane, so let's take a look back on some special moments in 'The Things We Learnt'.

Oh, how sweet it is

Manly fans, are you still on Cloud Nine after Saturday night's brilliant victory over the Brisbane Broncos? The platform for victory was there against the Knights and the Roosters, yet we just couldn't finish it off. And after reading some views from fans and the media alike, you would have thought the world had caved in such was the sheer devastation (but I do love the passion). Well, hopefully everyone is a lot more happier after the great performance from the team at 'Brookvale North' (aka Suncorp Stadium). Despite what some may believe or want to tell you, our players do care very much and have plenty of pride in them. Also, the Penn Family are TOTALLY COMMITTED to the Sea Eagles, so the club is not for sale! Sorry, Bears fans, but we are here to stay. Oh, and to win more premierships! After all, it's what we do because 'We Are Manly'.

'In Trent we Trust'

The players never lost faith of turning things around, nor did Coach Trent Barrett. Along with his dedicated coaching staff, Trent works tirelessly to ensure the players are well prepared for every match. He has been a 'rock' for his men during some difficult times, and although he may have upset a few with some tough calls he made, one can never question the man's integrity. 'Baz' loves a challenge. He is a passionate 'Manly Man'. Simply, 'In Trent We Trust'!

Jake just great again

I seem to have written this for the past few weeks, but AGAIN, just how good is lock and vice-captain Jake Trbojevic going? He was easily the best player (and there were many good performances) in the win over the Broncos. You can't help but love what Jake brings to the team each week from his superb defensive techniques to his great ball playing skills. Jake will surely captain NSW one day. And as for his brother, Tom, it was great to see 'Turbo' back to his best after a tough fortnight.

 Sing it again!

It was a special moment to witness the joy on the faces of the coaching staff, players and officials, inside the dressing room following our win over the Broncos. Yes, it had been a few weeks in the making, but to hear everyone sing the team song with so much passion and emotion, was just incredible. Do yourselves a favour, watch it again and sing along, 'We are the Manly boys'

The 'Wright' Stuff for Tom

He didn't get many minutes but how good was it to see exciting youngster Tom Wright make his NRL debut. Now in his third season at Manly, Wright has shown through the U20s and in the Intrust Super Premiership that he is a young man of enormous potential. With more opportunities, I have no doubt that Tommy can certainly make a big impact for the Sea Eagles in the NRL irrespective of which position he plays in the backline. Plus, he is a quality young man off the field. Welcome to the Manly NRL list of first grade players, Tom Wright. Player number #606

Our Great Fans

They say 'Manly fans Don't Travel'. Wrong, again (as always). There were thousands of Sea Eagles fans, at the very popular Brisbane Double Header, including the great Matt Ballin. As Broncos fans raced for the exit gates, the Sea Eagles faithful charged for the fences to shake hands with the players after the win. One player who certainly loved shaking hands and soaked up every moment was new centre Moses Suli, who is enjoying life again in the NRL at Manly. The night before, there were plenty of fanatical members at our Sea Eagles Interstate Members function, some of whom travelled from Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, and Hervey Bay. Thanks also to our fans who greeted the team at Norths St Joseph's JRL Club on Thursday night, and at the Queen St Mall promotion on Friday.  We look forward to more games in Brisbane, so keep wearing your jerseys with pride around Broncos town!.

Plenty of pride in Indigenous Round

How good was NRL Indigenous Round? The Sea Eagles players loved wearing their specially designed Indigenous jerseys against the Broncos. And on Friday night, one of Manly's greatest ever players in proud Indigenous man Cliff Lyons presented the players with their very own Indigenous inspired polo shirt to wear to and from the game. And judging by the reaction of fans, the polo shirt was a clear winner. The shirts (given to players and staff only) were provided by Sea Eagles corporate partner Bennelong Energy Services, a Northern Beaches business of which Cliffy is a director. And as for Cliffy, wherever he walked in Brisbane, the Manly legend was constantly stopped for photos from excited fans. The great man, as always, was happy to oblige.

Two Fine Men

Just on our Indigenous players, how good were Brian Kelly and Joel Thompson. At just 21, Kelly had another fine game at centre against the Broncos, much to the delight of the many members of the 'Kelly Gang' who came up from Ballina for the match. And in a nice gesture for Mother's Day, Brian gave his mum, Dotti, a personalised Indigenous Sea Eagles jersey with 'Proud Mum' embroided on it. As for Joel, to score two tries just capped off a very special week for a man who is always proud to tell his story of a young Indigenous boy who overcame some very tough times to become the quality person he is today.

Storm Brewing

Time now to get the winter woollies out as the team travels south to tackle the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park this Saturday night. The Sea Eagles will take plenty of confidence from the Broncos win and are up for the challenge of playing the NRL Premiers on their home ground again. We hope to see plenty of Manly fans there to cheer us on against one of our great rivals, minus their captain Cameron Smith. Bring it on!