Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recruitment manager and former premiership winning player Noel Cleal has called time on an outstanding career in rugby league.
Affectionately known as 'Crusher', Cleal has decided to retire from rugby league at the age of 65 after being involved in the game at a senior level for 50 years, dating back to his home town of Warialda in 1973.
During that time, Cleal has had 35 dedicated years in the NRL as a player and in management.
Cleal played 129 games for the Sea Eagles over seven seasons after making his club debut in 1983. He was a member of the 1987 premiership winning team under Coach Bob Fulton.
His contribution to the game cannot be under estimated. During those 35 seasons in the NRL, the teams he has been involved in have made the play offs on 30 occasions - an outstanding record.
Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov said there were many incredible highlights in Cleal's illustrious career.
"I know how proud and honoured Noel is to have been able to spend 20 of those seasons at Manly, having made the finals campaign on 17 occasions as a player and manager,'' Mestrov said.
"The ones that standout for him are the 1987 premiership as a player, captaining the Sea Eagles in 1986, and working closely with Des Hasler to win the 2008 and 2011 NRL premierships.
"From a personal view, a highlight for Noel was being able to play with his brother Les on the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1982.
"As for his record in representative football, he was honoured to play for City, Country, NSW and Australia.
"His career also saw him play bush footy for five years, winning three premierships, and a stint in England as a player and then as a coach, winning a premiership in 1992 with Hull.
"Noel is now looking forward to settling on the mid North Coast and spending time with his wife, Michelle.
"Having spent endless hours watching NRL, lower grades, junior reps, schoolboy carnivals and bush footy, Noel is also going to spend time with his grandchildren, Cooper, Nash, and Sonny watching their sporting achievements.
"The Sea Eagles sincerely thank Noel for all he has done for our club and congratulate him on a wonderful career. We wish him good luck in the future."
