In the news this week: - Fantastic Pre-Festive season
- 2025 Membership Pre-Xmas Deal
- Marlins On World Stage
- Andrew's A Cut Above The Rest
- Dog Tales
- Cecil Calls It A Day
- RIP Alexander “Turner” Massey
- Welcome To Our New Sponsors
- A Great Package
- Christmas Reading
- Got One Over The Rats
- Picture Of The Year
- Dates For The Diary
- Seasons Greetings
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In the news this week: - Fantastic Pre-Festive season
- 2025 Membership Pre-Xmas Deal
- Marlins On World Stage
- Andrew's A Cut Above The Rest
- Dog Tales
- Cecil Calls It A Day
- RIP Alexander “Turner” Massey
- Welcome To Our New Sponsors
- A Great Package
- Christmas Reading
- Got One Over The Rats
- Picture Of The Year
- Dates For The Diary
- Seasons Greetings
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A quick note, if you have been forwarded this email from a mate, besty or a family member and want to get your own feed of Marlins Fillets sent directly to your own Inbox, then click here to join. |
Fantastic Pre-Festive season |
Fantastic Pre-Festive season |
Welcome to a special (and packed) Christmas edition of Marlins Fillets. While the Manly Oval goalposts may have been packed away for the summer, there's been plenty happening. In the men's program, the boys have just finished off a five-week program and will now break until January 19. We'll hand over to head coach Sam Lane for his thoughts. He said: "It’s been a good start and we’ve had really good numbers. "There's been a really good energy and desire to get better from the group. "We started pretty small and going pretty detailed in certain areas of the game where we need to improve, and we made good progress in those areas. "We have a fair few guys still to come back in and some new faces who will arrive in Jan/Feb/March who will bring new energy and skillsets and that’s exciting. "Overall, it was a positive start and we’ve laid a good foundation to take into the new year to hopefully hit the ground running." Mermaids coach Ben Tuipulotu is just as happy with what's he seen from his girls. "The intent and energy has been outstanding. We've put in a solid foundation to take into the new year," he said. "We will be back on January 16 ready to hit the ground running." |
Welcome to a special (and packed) Christmas edition of Marlins Fillets. While the Manly Oval goalposts may have been packed away for the summer, there's been plenty happening. In the men's program, the boys have just finished off a five-week program and will now break until January 19. We'll hand over to head coach Sam Lane for his thoughts. He said: "It’s been a good start and we’ve had really good numbers. "There's been a really good energy and desire to get better from the group. "We started pretty small and going pretty detailed in certain areas of the game where we need to improve, and we made good progress in those areas. "We have a fair few guys still to come back in and some new faces who will arrive in Jan/Feb/March who will bring new energy and skillsets and that’s exciting. "Overall, it was a positive start and we’ve laid a good foundation to take into the new year to hopefully hit the ground running." Mermaids coach Ben Tuipulotu is just as happy with what's he seen from his girls. "The intent and energy has been outstanding. We've put in a solid foundation to take into the new year," he said. "We will be back on January 16 ready to hit the ground running." |
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2025 Membership Pre-Xmas Deal |
2025 Membership Pre-Xmas Deal |
We are continuing our pre-season membership drive. We really appreciate the contribution from those of you who have (re)signed up so far this year and we encourage everyone to buy a season pass for yourself and a friend, especially since it’s an ideal Christmas gift, with the pre-Christmas deal on offer. Our 2025 Christmas deal is only $180 per person or $350 for a double. It includes a free cap and entry to nine home games, discounts on beers and merchandise, and more.
After Dec 31, prices go up to $200 per person & $390 for a double. Join before 31 Dec and go in the draw to win One of Three x 1883 Club Match Day Double Passes (excluding ANZAC Day) - valued at $400+ Join Online To Go Into The Draw |
We are continuing our pre-season membership drive. We really appreciate the contribution from those of you who have (re)signed up so far this year and we encourage everyone to buy a season pass for yourself and a friend, especially since it’s an ideal Christmas gift, with the pre-Christmas deal on offer. Our 2025 Christmas deal is only $180 per person or $350 for a double. It includes a free cap and entry to nine home games, discounts on beers and merchandise, and more.
After Dec 31, prices go up to $200 per person & $390 for a double. Join before 31 Dec and go in the draw to win One of Three x 1883 Club Match Day Double Passes (excluding ANZAC Day) - valued at $400+ Join Online To Go Into The Draw |
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Two of Manly rugby's brightest young talents find themselves on opposing teams on the other side of the world this weekend. Max Douglas (Scarlets) and Jack Walsh (Ospreys) will go head-to head when the two Welsh sides meet in Swansea on Sunday (Pictured). The two ex-Harlequins juniors are living together in Pontcanna (Cardiff's version of Paddington), but there will be no love lost when the whistle blows in their crucial United Rugby Championship encounter. "It’s great having Dougo here. To be best mates growing up and now both playing in Wales is a pretty cool situation," Walsh told Fillets. "The local derby is a massive occasion for both clubs. We’ve been so used to playing together all through school/club etc, so it’s going to be a different experience playing against each other but a cool one. Dougo responded: "As Jack said, it’ll be pretty different sharing the field on opposite sides. "It definitely not something we’re used to but it’s one of the biggest days of the year for Welsh rugby and I’d love to say I’ll get a shot on him but he might be a bit too fast for me! "If I see him at the bottom of a ruck I might have a chance." The URC features teams from all over the UK, Ireland, Europe and South Africa. "The great thing about the comp is you’re playing some of the really big traditional clubs in places like Ireland and Scotland. It’s a great way to test where you're at," Dougo continued. "The other good thing is you also play the French, South Africans and Italians, so the rugby is tough but also varies week to week." Jack, whose coach describes him as a "Swiss army knife of a player, added: "Playing in the URC means we are playing against some of the best players and teams in world rugby. "It's a good way to develop our game and learn the different ways to play in challenging weather conditions." A little further south, Max's brother Tom is flatting with – and playing alongside - ex-Manly boy Byron Leach at London Welsh. The two locks are killing it, helping the Exiles to an undefeated run of 11 matches in the London Regional 1 competition. London Welsh is a famous old club that was once home to the incomparable JPR Williams before hitting financial strife and being turfed out of the top tier. They plan to claw their way back to the top and look on track for promotion from their current league. If you want to stream the match, you can buy a match day pass for A$14.99 from the URC TV page here; it should be a doozy. |
Two of Manly rugby's brightest young talents find themselves on opposing teams on the other side of the world this weekend. Max Douglas (Scarlets) and Jack Walsh (Ospreys) will go head-to head when the two Welsh sides meet in Swansea on Sunday (Pictured). The two ex-Harlequins juniors are living together in Pontcanna (Cardiff's version of Paddington), but there will be no love lost when the whistle blows in their crucial United Rugby Championship encounter. "It’s great having Dougo here. To be best mates growing up and now both playing in Wales is a pretty cool situation," Walsh told Fillets. "The local derby is a massive occasion for both clubs. We’ve been so used to playing together all through school/club etc, so it’s going to be a different experience playing against each other but a cool one. Dougo responded: "As Jack said, it’ll be pretty different sharing the field on opposite sides. "It definitely not something we’re used to but it’s one of the biggest days of the year for Welsh rugby and I’d love to say I’ll get a shot on him but he might be a bit too fast for me! "If I see him at the bottom of a ruck I might have a chance." The URC features teams from all over the UK, Ireland, Europe and South Africa. "The great thing about the comp is you’re playing some of the really big traditional clubs in places like Ireland and Scotland. It’s a great way to test where you're at," Dougo continued. "The other good thing is you also play the French, South Africans and Italians, so the rugby is tough but also varies week to week." Jack, whose coach describes him as a "Swiss army knife of a player, added: "Playing in the URC means we are playing against some of the best players and teams in world rugby. "It's a good way to develop our game and learn the different ways to play in challenging weather conditions." A little further south, Max's brother Tom is flatting with – and playing alongside - ex-Manly boy Byron Leach at London Welsh. The two locks are killing it, helping the Exiles to an undefeated run of 11 matches in the London Regional 1 competition. London Welsh is a famous old club that was once home to the incomparable JPR Williams before hitting financial strife and being turfed out of the top tier. They plan to claw their way back to the top and look on track for promotion from their current league. If you want to stream the match, you can buy a match day pass for A$14.99 from the URC TV page here; it should be a doozy. |
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Andrew's A Cut Above The Rest |
Andrew's A Cut Above The Rest |
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Unless you're a pub, tobacconist or kebab shop, it's tough to make a quid in Manly. Businesses come and go quicker than a Yool Yool kick return. So, to last 30 years is some sort of achievement. On December 20, former lower grade Manly halfback Andrew Hill will rack up three decades in charge of Manly Fish Market in Wentworth St. Fillets wandered in to find him doing just that – filleting – and asked him how he had survived so long while others came and went. "Goffy at the Boatshed might have been in Manly longer but, in food, I don’t think there's been any owner/occupier who's lasted 30 years on the same site," he told us. "We've always tried to keep a consistent staff (the legendary Joe Alagich has been at MFM for 29 years) and a consistent quality of produce. "We refuse to buy cheap. People often make that mistake of buying rubbish when times get tough, but we don't do that. "Yeah, it reduces your profits. But it also keeps the familiar faces coming back." "Hilly senior" tell us barramundi, snapper, flathead and salmon remain the customer favourites, with calamari also a big seller. And, of course, you can’t have fish n chips without the chips. MFM's chips are to die for. The secret's in changing the oil every day. The shop has been a big part of the local community for three decades and many of the loyal customers know Hilly senior through the local rugby connection. "I think playing rugby for Manly were some of the best times of your life," he said. "I can run into footy mates I haven't seen for 10 years and it's like nothing's changed. "It was a wonderful time to be playing." |
Unless you're a pub, tobacconist or kebab shop, it's tough to make a quid in Manly. Businesses come and go quicker than a Yool Yool kick return. So, to last 30 years is some sort of achievement. On December 20, former lower grade Manly halfback Andrew Hill will rack up three decades in charge of Manly Fish Market in Wentworth St. Fillets wandered in to find him doing just that – filleting – and asked him how he had survived so long while others came and went. "Goffy at the Boatshed might have been in Manly longer but, in food, I don’t think there's been any owner/occupier who's lasted 30 years on the same site," he told us. "We've always tried to keep a consistent staff (the legendary Joe Alagich has been at MFM for 29 years) and a consistent quality of produce. "We refuse to buy cheap. People often make that mistake of buying rubbish when times get tough, but we don't do that. "Yeah, it reduces your profits. But it also keeps the familiar faces coming back." "Hilly senior" tell us barramundi, snapper, flathead and salmon remain the customer favourites, with calamari also a big seller. And, of course, you can’t have fish n chips without the chips. MFM's chips are to die for. The secret's in changing the oil every day. The shop has been a big part of the local community for three decades and many of the loyal customers know Hilly senior through the local rugby connection. "I think playing rugby for Manly were some of the best times of your life," he said. "I can run into footy mates I haven't seen for 10 years and it's like nothing's changed. "It was a wonderful time to be playing." |
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One of the great things about rugby is the camaraderie that exists among those who play, watch and administer. A few weeks back, a group gathered at Manly Skiff Club to toast 1970s/80s Manly winger Mark "Doggy" Delamere, who is battling pancreatic cancer. It was a funny and emotional catch-up as former clubmates reminisced about old times over a few too many schooners. As well as being a classy outside back, Delamere is one of the great Manly rugby characters. He played in our 1983 premiership-winning side…but only just. Coach Alan Jones – aware Doggy liked a drink – threatened to drop his party boy before the grand final if he didn’t take it easy on the hooligan juice. With Manly enjoying a week off, Jones ordered an early morning training session at Rat Park on the Saturday before the GF, warning any late or hungover player would be dropped. Doggy was one step ahead. He still gave himself a hiding on the Friday night but slept in his car at Rat Park to ensure an early rise the next morning. Jones couldn’t believe it when he walked into Rat Park to be greeted by a beaming Delamere, limbering up well before his teammates arrived. Doggy went on to play a major role in our upset 12-10 win over mighty Randwick in the grand final. We wish him all the best in his cancer battle. |
One of the great things about rugby is the camaraderie that exists among those who play, watch and administer. A few weeks back, a group gathered at Manly Skiff Club to toast 1970s/80s Manly winger Mark "Doggy" Delamere, who is battling pancreatic cancer. It was a funny and emotional catch-up as former clubmates reminisced about old times over a few too many schooners. As well as being a classy outside back, Delamere is one of the great Manly rugby characters. He played in our 1983 premiership-winning side…but only just. Coach Alan Jones – aware Doggy liked a drink – threatened to drop his party boy before the grand final if he didn’t take it easy on the hooligan juice. With Manly enjoying a week off, Jones ordered an early morning training session at Rat Park on the Saturday before the GF, warning any late or hungover player would be dropped. Doggy was one step ahead. He still gave himself a hiding on the Friday night but slept in his car at Rat Park to ensure an early rise the next morning. Jones couldn’t believe it when he walked into Rat Park to be greeted by a beaming Delamere, limbering up well before his teammates arrived. Doggy went on to play a major role in our upset 12-10 win over mighty Randwick in the grand final. We wish him all the best in his cancer battle. |
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James Hilterbrand put his body on the line in every one of the 240 games he played for Manly. Now, the 35-year-old's chassis is saying "no more". The popular hooker and clubman – known to all as "Cecil" - has reluctantly pulled the pin on his playing days as the injuries mount up. After undergoing spinal surgery following a stint in America's Major League Rugby last year, Cecil made it back to the Shute Shield only to injure his shoulder and undergo more surgery in April. He returned mid-season and worked his way through the grades before running on in 1s against the Two Blues late in the year. Then another injury, this time to a different part of his spine which required further fusion surgery, forced a premature retirement. "There's just too much pain down my left side to continue playing unfortunately," Cecil told Fillets. "It was an easy-ish decision to retire due to the injuries but still very hard and emotional to say the words. "Rugby has been an obsession for 30 years and I just wanted to end this year on my own terms." "But I've had a great run, had so many good times and met so many great people." Cecil is one of club rugby's great characters, famously shovelling grass into an opponent's mouth after making tackle while untying the laces of Warringah halfback (and now coach) Josh Holmes during a Manly Oval derby. He also represented the United States, Western Force and NSW and promises he won’t be lost to the game or the Marlins. Thanks for your whole-hearted service, Cec. |
James Hilterbrand put his body on the line in every one of the 240 games he played for Manly. Now, the 35-year-old's chassis is saying "no more". The popular hooker and clubman – known to all as "Cecil" - has reluctantly pulled the pin on his playing days as the injuries mount up. After undergoing spinal surgery following a stint in America's Major League Rugby last year, Cecil made it back to the Shute Shield only to injure his shoulder and undergo more surgery in April. He returned mid-season and worked his way through the grades before running on in 1s against the Two Blues late in the year. Then another injury, this time to a different part of his spine which required further fusion surgery, forced a premature retirement. "There's just too much pain down my left side to continue playing unfortunately," Cecil told Fillets. "It was an easy-ish decision to retire due to the injuries but still very hard and emotional to say the words. "Rugby has been an obsession for 30 years and I just wanted to end this year on my own terms." "But I've had a great run, had so many good times and met so many great people." Cecil is one of club rugby's great characters, famously shovelling grass into an opponent's mouth after making tackle while untying the laces of Warringah halfback (and now coach) Josh Holmes during a Manly Oval derby. He also represented the United States, Western Force and NSW and promises he won’t be lost to the game or the Marlins. Thanks for your whole-hearted service, Cec. |
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RIP Alexander “Turner” Massey |
RIP Alexander “Turner” Massey |
Fillets was sad to hear of the passing of loyal Manly rugby supporter Alexander "Turner" Massey earlier this month. The 89-year-old Scotsman was a regular at home and away games and always up for a beer back at the bowlo. Unassuming and always upbeat (win or lose), Turner was particularly close to our volunteers' group. As life member Geoff Riddington put it: "So sad to hear the news. He was a real gentleman and always there for the Marlins with a positive word for the coaches and players." RIP old mate. |
Fillets was sad to hear of the passing of loyal Manly rugby supporter Alexander "Turner" Massey earlier this month. The 89-year-old Scotsman was a regular at home and away games and always up for a beer back at the bowlo. Unassuming and always upbeat (win or lose), Turner was particularly close to our volunteers' group. As life member Geoff Riddington put it: "So sad to hear the news. He was a real gentleman and always there for the Marlins with a positive word for the coaches and players." RIP old mate. |
Welcome To Our New Sponsors |
Welcome To Our New Sponsors |
Our sponsorship team has done a tremendous job securing new backers and extending existing deals heading into the 2025 season. We welcome aboard Allied World as our new platinum sponsor. Northern Beaches Toyota and Pallas Capital have upgraded to platinum, while Bentleys becomes a gold sponsor. We are also in advanced discussions for a new platinum sponsorship with one of our popular local establishments. Joining the ranks of corporate backers are Nordic Travel, Hicksons Lawyers, PMC Property Buyers, Urban Caravans. A host of 2024 sponsors have returned for another year and we greatly appreciate their loyalty. Thank you to all our sponsors (listed at the bottom of this column). As a result of your wonderful support, we are ready to thrive in '25. |
Our sponsorship team has done a tremendous job securing new backers and extending existing deals heading into the 2025 season. We welcome aboard Allied World as our new platinum sponsor. Northern Beaches Toyota and Pallas Capital have upgraded to platinum, while Bentleys becomes a gold sponsor. We are also in advanced discussions for a new platinum sponsorship with one of our popular local establishments. Joining the ranks of corporate backers are Nordic Travel, Hicksons Lawyers, PMC Property Buyers, Urban Caravans. A host of 2024 sponsors have returned for another year and we greatly appreciate their loyalty. Thank you to all our sponsors (listed at the bottom of this column). As a result of your wonderful support, we are ready to thrive in '25. |
One of our tremendous backers – the world famous Budgy Smuggler – has put together a special deal for all Manly rugby followers. They're producing a made to order Marlins and Mermaids swimwear collection to have you looking your finest on our beaches this summer. You'll find all the details here: https://budgysmuggler.com.au/collections/manly-marlins-and-mermaids-made-to-order |
One of our tremendous backers – the world famous Budgy Smuggler – has put together a special deal for all Manly rugby followers. They're producing a made to order Marlins and Mermaids swimwear collection to have you looking your finest on our beaches this summer. You'll find all the details here: https://budgysmuggler.com.au/collections/manly-marlins-and-mermaids-made-to-order |
While sitting in your new xmas gifted budgy smugglers at the beach, or by the pool, we encourage you to click onto the following link which will take you to our annual report for 2024. The report is a great read and will provide you with some fond reflections on the season past and confirm why it is such a great idea to get in early and buy your season passes to enjoy an even bigger and better 2025. |
While sitting in your new xmas gifted budgy smugglers at the beach, or by the pool, we encourage you to click onto the following link which will take you to our annual report for 2024. The report is a great read and will provide you with some fond reflections on the season past and confirm why it is such a great idea to get in early and buy your season passes to enjoy an even bigger and better 2025. |
Any win over Warringah is worth celebrating, right? That's what we reckon. The Marlins fielded a Colts team in the recent Tri Tag Rugby competition and beat the Rats three tries to nil in the final on their home turf. We've even got a plaque to prove it. More importantly the hit out by both the Marlins and Rats under 20s was in support of the ongoing Grandstand Against Domestic Violence Initiative led by Relationships Australia NSW and our ongoing charity partner Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter. Everyone was very impressed with how the young men from both teams played the game and they all demonstrated that, as next generation leaders, they share a passion and commitment to sustainable social change in this critical societal issue. Well done, lads. |
Any win over Warringah is worth celebrating, right? That's what we reckon. The Marlins fielded a Colts team in the recent Tri Tag Rugby competition and beat the Rats three tries to nil in the final on their home turf. We've even got a plaque to prove it. More importantly the hit out by both the Marlins and Rats under 20s was in support of the ongoing Grandstand Against Domestic Violence Initiative led by Relationships Australia NSW and our ongoing charity partner Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter. Everyone was very impressed with how the young men from both teams played the game and they all demonstrated that, as next generation leaders, they share a passion and commitment to sustainable social change in this critical societal issue. Well done, lads. |
Manly Mermaids Pia Jackson copped a broken nose and played on for one her games this year, she had a very different look at the Presentation night earlier this year, well done Pia :) |
Manly Mermaids Pia Jackson copped a broken nose and played on for one her games this year, she had a very different look at the Presentation night earlier this year, well done Pia :) |
How would you like to win 20 grand to kick-start next season? All you have to do is score a hole-in-one on Wakehurst's 16th at our annual golf day on March 14. The Marlins are putting up 20k in cold hard cash to the first golfer to ace the tricky par 3. So, get a foursome together and keep an eye on our socials and mail-out list for booking details. Also worth circling on your calendar is the second instalment of the big Anzac Day local derby against the Rats at Manly Oval. Apart from the final result, it was one of the great days of the 2024 season and tickets to the 2025 encounter are sure to sell fast when they go on sale. Finally, make sure you're free on August 1 for our annual lunch at the 4 Seasons Hotel in The Rocks. With the Wallabies taking on the British and Irish Lions in Sydney the next day, the lunch will have a distinct Lions flavour and will sell-out fast. There's plenty to look forward to on and off the field. |
How would you like to win 20 grand to kick-start next season? All you have to do is score a hole-in-one on Wakehurst's 16th at our annual golf day on March 14. The Marlins are putting up 20k in cold hard cash to the first golfer to ace the tricky par 3. So, get a foursome together and keep an eye on our socials and mail-out list for booking details. Also worth circling on your calendar is the second instalment of the big Anzac Day local derby against the Rats at Manly Oval. Apart from the final result, it was one of the great days of the 2024 season and tickets to the 2025 encounter are sure to sell fast when they go on sale. Finally, make sure you're free on August 1 for our annual lunch at the 4 Seasons Hotel in The Rocks. With the Wallabies taking on the British and Irish Lions in Sydney the next day, the lunch will have a distinct Lions flavour and will sell-out fast. There's plenty to look forward to on and off the field. |
We hope you enjoyed our last column for 2025 and wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Don't be scared to drop a schooner in Fillets hand and discuss all things Manly rugby should we see you at any of our sensational watering holes. Here's to a big 2025! |
We hope you enjoyed our last column for 2025 and wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Don't be scared to drop a schooner in Fillets hand and discuss all things Manly rugby should we see you at any of our sensational watering holes. Here's to a big 2025! |
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