Eighty years ago today, April 26, 1947, a strapping young prop named Roy Bull made his first grade debut. Little did he know, he would go on to become of Manly’s greatest ever players.
For Roy Bull is a name that should forever be cherished in the proud history of the Sea Eagles.
Having played in the winning 1946 President’s Cup team that guaranteed Manly entry into the NSWRL competition the following season, a 17-year-old Bull played five games in the club’s inaugural season.
Those five games were just the beginning of a wonderful chapter for Bull, who went on to become Manly’s first Test player.
A fitness fanatic from the Freshwater Lifesaving Club, Bull played 177 first grade games at Manly from 1947-1959.
Two years after his debut for Manly, Bull toured New Zealand in 1949 and played the first of his 25 Tests for Australia. He also represented NSW on 26 occasions.
Upon his retirement, Bull was made a Manly Life Member in 1962. He later held the role of Manly Warringah Rugby League Club President from 1978-1987.
In 2006, Bull was named in Manly 's greatest team as part of the club's 60th anniversary.
Two years later, Bull was named in Australia’s 100 Greatest Players list (1908-2007) to celebrate rugby league’s centenary.
Furthermore, the Roy Bull Best & Fairest award is now presented to Manly’s best player at the end of each season.
Current Manly player Jake Trbojevic and former stars Daly Cherry-Evans and Glenn Stewart are three-time winners of the Roy Bull award.
