It’s the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles premiership jersey that has taken 44 years to return to its rightful owner in legendary full-back Graham Eadie.
At a small coffee shop in Coolangatta today, ‘Wombat’ Eadie was presented with his game worn 1978 Grand Final, in front of the ‘Godfather of Manly’ Ken Arthurson
Former Balmain and Australian great Larry Corowa said it was a special moment for his former Kangaroos team-mate following a wonderful gesture by ex-Cronulla full-back Mick Mullane.
“It was a lovely gesture from Mick, who had sent the jersey up to former Sharks player John Purcell to pass on to Graham,’’ Corowa said.
“How Mick ended up with the jersey was amazing in itself. He played full-back for Cronulla in the 11-all draw in the 1978 Grand Final against Manly.
“Mick got hurt and had to miss the Grand Final replay three days later.
“Rick Bourke moved from the wing to play full-back in the Grand Final replay and after the game, Graham took off his jersey and swapped it with him, which you did back in those days.
“Then Rick later gave the jersey to Mick because he was Cronulla’s full-back that year.
“Mick had always wanted to give the jersey back but never managed to do it. He was up here for the Magic Millions races and joined us for coffee one morning where he revealed he had ‘Wombat’s jersey.
“So, we arranged for it to be given back to Graham. It was a special moment.”
