Dave Beat
Paul McLean (56)
The suggestion that Manly paid significant sums for the colts they have recruited in 2013 is way off the mark, but it makes a good yarn. The truth is in fact much simpler, the players believed in the excellent colts program run by coach Harvey, there was an opportunity to obtain a bursery from ICMS, an excellent local educational facility, and they could see the clear super rugby pathway developed by Manly over the past 2-3 years. Makes sense if the above is taken into account.
In fact the Rats were the ones offering bigger bucks to keep the players at the Rat park - but to no avail.
And the proof was in the eating - with approximately 8 Academy players unavailable, the Marlins won the three colts trials by about 17 tries to 2.
In times when club rugby is under attack, my external but closely associated overview is that the board at Manly are doing most things very well.
Great reading, and it's good to hear. Looking forward to the season ahead.