It was the one day in our proud and rich 80-year history that the result wasn’t as significant as the occasion.
For it was on this day, April 17, 1948, that the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles played their first ever game on the hallowed turf of the famous Sydney Cricket Ground.
Manly were only into their second season in the NSWRL first grade competition when they were awarded the ‘Match of the Day’ status.
Back then, the NSWRL staged the feature match of the round at the SCG on a Saturday afternoon. It was one of rugby league’s great traditions that has sadly been lost.
A thrilling 15-14 win at Brookvale Oval over Newtown in round one saw the Ray Stehr coached Manly awarded the match of the day against St George Dragons.
A crowd of 21,186 saw captain and half-back Ron O’Connell lead Manly out for the special occasion.
Unfortunately, Manly went down 23-10 to heavyweights St George with second-rowers Ritchie Burke and Keith Kirkwood scoring in a spirited performance from the Sea Eagles.
Three years later, Manly finally broke through for their first win at the SCG in 1951 with a 19-15 win over Balmain.
History now shows the Sea Eagles went on to win four first grade premierships at the SCG in 1972, ’73, ’76 and ’78.
Manly also hold the distinct honour of winning the last ever grand final at the SCG after beating Canberra in 1987.
The Sea Eagles have won 69 of their 167 games played at the SCG.
