Golden Eagles: Spudd and Cement at Foz Pines Park this Thursday

Mark Carroll and David Gillespie will be presented to the crowd before kick-off against the South Sydney Rabbitohs as part of the Club’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

The Sea Eagles are paying tribute at each home game to some of their former players who helped build the Club into what it is today.

Carroll, Sea Eagles #401, played 88 games for Manly after making his club debut in 1994.

‘Spudd’ Carroll was one of the most feared props for his aggressive nature and desire to get over the top of his opponent at all costs.

His most memorable battles came against Newcastle’s Paul ‘Chief’ Harragon, two tough, hard, and respected NSW and Australian team-mates, who had a pure hatred for one another.

There were some fierce hits and brawls between them, but none more so at Marathon Stadium in 1995, when Harragon charged towards Carroll only to mistime it, hitting Carroll with his chin to send both flying in the air.

With Harragon out cold, Carroll walked over and said the now famous line ‘is that the best you can give me?’.

Carroll had a great career, playing more than 200 games from 1987-1999.  He played in three grand finals, tasting premiership success with Manly in 1996 under Club Immortal Bob Fulton.

He also played seven State of Origin matches for NSW, winning a series in 1997, and played 12 Test matches for Australia. Caroll was part of the Kangaroos team that won the World Cup at Wembley Stadium in 1995.

Gillespie, Sea Eagles #402, played 92 games for Manly from 1994-97 and was one of the hardest men to ever pull on a jersey.

Nick-named ‘Cement’ for his powerful tackling technique that destroyed opponents, Gillespie played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Western Suburbs Magpies, and the Sea Eagles.

He played in Manly's 1996 premiership side with Caroll under Fulton but retired after the Grand Final loss to Newcastle the following year. He also won a premiership with the Bulldogs.

Gillespie played 15 games for NSW and 16 Tests for Australia.

Kick-off on Thursday is 7.50pm.