The 75 series: Steve Menzies

With the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles celebrating its 75th year in 2021, we take a look at some of the greatest players to wear the maroon and white jersey.

Today's feature in the '75 series' is on two-time premiership winning back-rower Steve Menzies, who played 280 first grade games for Manly.

Steve Menzies (#398)

Steve Menzies hold the record as the greatest try scoring forward in premiership history after crossing the try line 180 times in a 16-year career, comprising 349 matches.

A regular member of Australian and NSW teams, Menzies played in five grand finals for the Sea Eagles and regards the 2008 premiership win against Melbourne as a career highlight.

"That was my last game for Manly and I scored a try and we won 40-0," Menzies said.

"Getting selected for the Kangaroo tour was just amazing. It was a 10-week tour, travelling overseas and playing with guys like Mal Meninga, Ricky Stuart, Allan Langer and other legends of the game so that was pretty special but I think the 2008 grand final probably surpassed that.

"I grew up supporting Manly, I was born in the area and watched them when I was young so to do that and finish the way I did was pretty special."

In addition, Menzies scored another 58 tries in Super League for Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons during a career which extended until just short of his 40th birthday.

"I was very lucky to play with a lot of great players and I always loved playing," he said.

"Just to be nominated in the last 25 was a huge honour. There are some amazing players and greats of the game. You don't really see yourself in that same elk so it's a massive honour to get selected. It's a pretty proud moment."

There was much more to Beaver’s game than his try-scoring ability. He was a dynamic defender with excellent timing in his tackles

Bob Fulton Coach