The celebrations might not have been as big as they once were, but they were still extra special for members of the 1976 Manly premiership winning team.
Last Sunday, several members of the Frank Stanton coached winning Sea Eagles team had the chance to reunite as Manly celebrated their 50th anniversary of the club’s grand final win over Parramatta.
History now shows that the Sea Eagles went on to win the Grand Final, 13-10, after the scores were locked 7-all at half-time. It was Manly's third premiership in five years.
To celebrate the 50 years milestone as part of Manly’s 80th year anniversary, players from the 1976 team were welcomed back to Brookvale with a standing ovation as they entered the field at 4 Pines Park.
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The 1976 premiers then watched the current Sea Eagles team demolish the Eels in the NRL match before later meeting the players inside the famous Brookvale sheds.
It was then onto their beloved Manly Leagues Club for more celebrations that went well into the night.
Club legend and 1976 premiership winning hooker Max Krilich said it was a special day for all.
“We had a fantastic day and one that was well set up by (Manly CEO) Jason King and his team,’’ Krilich said.
“It was great meeting each other again for such a special reunion. It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years.
“I hadn’t seen Rod Jackson for 25 years, so to see him at Brookie made it even more special.
“We certainly enjoyed ourselves. A lot of stories were told.
“The Sea Eagles looked after us very well in terms of hospitality. The reception we received when we walked onto the field was amazing.”
Just like the 1976 team were!
Manly’s 1976 premiership winning team
1 Graham Eadie 2 Tom Mooney 3 Russel Gartner 4 Bob Fulton (c) 5 Rod Jackson 6 Alan Thompson, 7 Gary Stephens 8 John Harvey 9 Max Krilich 10 Terry Randall 11 Steve Norton 12 Phil Lowe 13 Ian Martin; bench 14 Gary Thoroughgood 17 Mark Willoughby, Coach Frank Stanton.
