In the news this week: - Marlins Lock In Finals Berth
- Big Cadeyrn Returns
- Fraser On Fire
- Colts Win A Thriller
- Students Hand Out Lesson
- Lunch Wrap
- Lord Help Eddie
- Wild Wild East
- Getting Shirty
- Shute Shield Rumours
|
In the news this week: - Marlins Lock In Finals Berth
- Big Cadeyrn Returns
- Fraser On Fire
- Colts Win A Thriller
- Students Hand Out Lesson
- Lunch Wrap
- Lord Help Eddie
- Wild Wild East
- Getting Shirty
- Shute Shield Rumours
|
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. |
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. |
Marlins Lock In Finals Berth |
Marlins Lock In Finals Berth |
Photo Credit @David MacLean |
Photo Credit @David MacLean |
And then there were six⊠Our crucial 31-21 win over Sydney Uni last Saturday has confirmed this year's Shute Shield finalists. Easts, Warringah, Randwick, Manly, Norths and Gordon have all qualified, with just the final placings to be sorted over the next fortnight. We meet Hunter Wildfires in Newcastle on Saturday before taking on Norths at Manly Oval in the last round. Mathematically, the Marlins can still land anywhere between first and six. Realistically - given the draw over the next two weeks - we will be playing for third or fourth unless there are some major upsets. A loss or two in the final fortnight will relegate us to fifth and sixth and guaranteed sudden-death football from the start of the finals. Anyway, the future will sort itself out. For now, itâs time to go back a few days to the moment Uni were knocked out of the finals for the second year running. This was a game we simply had to win and the intent and energy was there right from the get-go. Hooker Aaron Blacklock (pictured) plunged over inside the first few minutes â punching the ball in celebration - to set the tone and by halftime we led 21-14 after scoring two of the sweetest tries you'll see. The first was the result of a sublime chip kick on halfway by No.10 Brendan Owen, which Ollie Horne picked up on the run before shovelling it to Connor Collett. The backrower had speed on his outside in the form of Lalakai Foketi and the Wallaby centre streaked away for a brilliant five-pointer. Just as good was the try on halftime. A quick lineout on our side of halfway saw half Jamie Hill hit Byron Sharwood, allowing the centre to go one-on-one with his opposite. Sharwood, who has been one of our best all season, found Fraser Toohey on his outside and the Marlins centurion delivered from there. He burned his man with speed and deception before drawing the last line of defence and slipping a pass to Hill on his inside. That gave us a 21-14 advantage at the break. Owen scored early in the second half after a 45m dash from Hill following an intercept and we were looking the goods. A controversial Uni try seven minutes from the end â the ref signalled knock on then changed it to knock back as the visitors scored under the posts â gave us a seven-point margin and a nervous finish. But the boys refused to fold, adding a late Owen penalty to secure all five points and a finals berth. Earlier, seconds and fourths both went down but thirds came away with a gritty 17-10 victory. |
And then there were six⊠Our crucial 31-21 win over Sydney Uni last Saturday has confirmed this year's Shute Shield finalists. Easts, Warringah, Randwick, Manly, Norths and Gordon have all qualified, with just the final placings to be sorted over the next fortnight. We meet Hunter Wildfires in Newcastle on Saturday before taking on Norths at Manly Oval in the last round. Mathematically, the Marlins can still land anywhere between first and six. Realistically - given the draw over the next two weeks - we will be playing for third or fourth unless there are some major upsets. A loss or two in the final fortnight will relegate us to fifth and sixth and guaranteed sudden-death football from the start of the finals. Anyway, the future will sort itself out. For now, itâs time to go back a few days to the moment Uni were knocked out of the finals for the second year running. This was a game we simply had to win and the intent and energy was there right from the get-go. Hooker Aaron Blacklock (pictured) plunged over inside the first few minutes â punching the ball in celebration - to set the tone and by halftime we led 21-14 after scoring two of the sweetest tries you'll see. The first was the result of a sublime chip kick on halfway by No.10 Brendan Owen, which Ollie Horne picked up on the run before shovelling it to Connor Collett. The backrower had speed on his outside in the form of Lalakai Foketi and the Wallaby centre streaked away for a brilliant five-pointer. Just as good was the try on halftime. A quick lineout on our side of halfway saw half Jamie Hill hit Byron Sharwood, allowing the centre to go one-on-one with his opposite. Sharwood, who has been one of our best all season, found Fraser Toohey on his outside and the Marlins centurion delivered from there. He burned his man with speed and deception before drawing the last line of defence and slipping a pass to Hill on his inside. That gave us a 21-14 advantage at the break. Owen scored early in the second half after a 45m dash from Hill following an intercept and we were looking the goods. A controversial Uni try seven minutes from the end â the ref signalled knock on then changed it to knock back as the visitors scored under the posts â gave us a seven-point margin and a nervous finish. But the boys refused to fold, adding a late Owen penalty to secure all five points and a finals berth. Earlier, seconds and fourths both went down but thirds came away with a gritty 17-10 victory. |
 |
 |
It's refreshing to be able to bring you news of a rep player desperate to return to club rugby. Eight-Test Wallabies lock Cadeyrn Neville will travel up the M1 on Saturday to play his first game for Manly â against the Hunter Wildfires - since the 2015 grand final loss to Eastwood. It comes after the Brumbies forward went to great lengths (including writing letters) to gain a clearance from his Canberra club before jumping through several hoops at the Sydney Rugby Union to obtain the green light for the rest of the Marlins' Shute Shield campaign. It's an enormous "get" for the club on the eve of the finals. "I wasn't actually sure when or if I would get another chance to play for Manly, so when it looked possible I made sure I looked into it as much as I could," Neville told Fillets. "It'll be pretty special to play for the club again. "I have only seen a handful of games/results but the game at Rat Park and result on the weekend (against Uni) show there's plenty to work with in the finals." Our forward pack was already the equal to any in the comp and the inclusion of the 2.02m/123kg Neville raises the stakes. "He was desperate to come back, and we canât wait to have him back," hooker Aaron Blacklock said. "We have some fantastic recruits this year who are not only brilliant on the field but are driving the culture off it and Cadeyrn will only add to that." |
It's refreshing to be able to bring you news of a rep player desperate to return to club rugby. Eight-Test Wallabies lock Cadeyrn Neville will travel up the M1 on Saturday to play his first game for Manly â against the Hunter Wildfires - since the 2015 grand final loss to Eastwood. It comes after the Brumbies forward went to great lengths (including writing letters) to gain a clearance from his Canberra club before jumping through several hoops at the Sydney Rugby Union to obtain the green light for the rest of the Marlins' Shute Shield campaign. It's an enormous "get" for the club on the eve of the finals. "I wasn't actually sure when or if I would get another chance to play for Manly, so when it looked possible I made sure I looked into it as much as I could," Neville told Fillets. "It'll be pretty special to play for the club again. "I have only seen a handful of games/results but the game at Rat Park and result on the weekend (against Uni) show there's plenty to work with in the finals." Our forward pack was already the equal to any in the comp and the inclusion of the 2.02m/123kg Neville raises the stakes. "He was desperate to come back, and we canât wait to have him back," hooker Aaron Blacklock said. "We have some fantastic recruits this year who are not only brilliant on the field but are driving the culture off it and Cadeyrn will only add to that." |
 |
 |
You'd think after 100 grade games, nerves wouldnât be an issue for Marlins winger Fraser Toohey. But he was a wreck in the lead-up to the Uni game, admitting he was worried the hype and excitement around his century of games could be dampened if the match didnât go to plan. As it turned out, there was no need for concern. The popular clubman absolutely torched â and tortured - his opposite number in a man-of-the-match performance that many believe was Fraser's best in the red and blue. And Manly won, allowing the stocky winger to celebrate with the many friends, family and fans who turned out for the occasion. "I was so nervous but it turned out to be an amazing afternoon," he said. "It was so nice during the week to see and hear from people I played with and against at Manly and receive all these messages and support from people. "It just feels like the fruits of my labour and all the work have kind of paid off, and it was nice to have a good game as well. "We knew it was going to be a tough game and there was a lot riding on it. "We've locked down a finals spot and will now look to build on that as we move it these last two games and the semis." The Fraser Toohey Fan Club was out in force, donning t-shirts featuring their hero. Group spokesman Nick (surname withheld) told Fillets: "He's a good mate of all of ours, went to school with us all, and we got these done up to support the great man for his century. "He was absolutely outstanding. That Uni winger must have tyre tracks down his back." |
You'd think after 100 grade games, nerves wouldnât be an issue for Marlins winger Fraser Toohey. But he was a wreck in the lead-up to the Uni game, admitting he was worried the hype and excitement around his century of games could be dampened if the match didnât go to plan. As it turned out, there was no need for concern. The popular clubman absolutely torched â and tortured - his opposite number in a man-of-the-match performance that many believe was Fraser's best in the red and blue. And Manly won, allowing the stocky winger to celebrate with the many friends, family and fans who turned out for the occasion. "I was so nervous but it turned out to be an amazing afternoon," he said. "It was so nice during the week to see and hear from people I played with and against at Manly and receive all these messages and support from people. "It just feels like the fruits of my labour and all the work have kind of paid off, and it was nice to have a good game as well. "We knew it was going to be a tough game and there was a lot riding on it. "We've locked down a finals spot and will now look to build on that as we move it these last two games and the semis." The Fraser Toohey Fan Club was out in force, donning t-shirts featuring their hero. Group spokesman Nick (surname withheld) told Fillets: "He's a good mate of all of ours, went to school with us all, and we got these done up to support the great man for his century. "He was absolutely outstanding. That Uni winger must have tyre tracks down his back." |
 |
Trailing by four points with time up, Manly's first grade colts team saw their finals lives flash before their eyes last Friday night. A loss to second-placed Uni meant the top six dream would be over. But on the last play of the day, the young Marlins produced something very special. From a scrum win close to the line, the ball swung right through a few sets of hands for impressive fullback Kai Vincent to slice through and touch down for the match-winning try in the corner. The 27-26 victory keeps Manly in seventh spot with two rounds to go. Proud coach Ed Morgan said: "It was a glimpse at the 80-minute performance we've been building towards. "We've had moments this year where we've come close to showing the competition what we're capable of but I think Friday night sent that message loud and clear. "We had to find it in ourselves and it was lovely to find it on a Friday night at home under lights, against a Uni side riddled with Australian (under-20) players." If the Marlins win their next two games (with bonus points) they should make the top six, as the teams currently sitting fifth (Souths) and sixth (Warringah) meet in the final round. Seconds are also in seventh and need results to go their way over the closing rounds while thirds are clinging on to sixth. |
Trailing by four points with time up, Manly's first grade colts team saw their finals lives flash before their eyes last Friday night. A loss to second-placed Uni meant the top six dream would be over. But on the last play of the day, the young Marlins produced something very special. From a scrum win close to the line, the ball swung right through a few sets of hands for impressive fullback Kai Vincent to slice through and touch down for the match-winning try in the corner. The 27-26 victory keeps Manly in seventh spot with two rounds to go. Proud coach Ed Morgan said: "It was a glimpse at the 80-minute performance we've been building towards. "We've had moments this year where we've come close to showing the competition what we're capable of but I think Friday night sent that message loud and clear. "We had to find it in ourselves and it was lovely to find it on a Friday night at home under lights, against a Uni side riddled with Australian (under-20) players." If the Marlins win their next two games (with bonus points) they should make the top six, as the teams currently sitting fifth (Souths) and sixth (Warringah) meet in the final round. Seconds are also in seventh and need results to go their way over the closing rounds while thirds are clinging on to sixth. |
 |
Photo Credit @David MacLean |
Photo Credit @David MacLean |
Mermaids coach Ben Tuipulotu called it the loss we had to have. Up against undefeated Sydney Uni in the early game at Manly Oval last Saturday, our girls went down 22-0. Tuipulotu called it a timely wake-up call so close to the finals. "The score didnât indicate how tough the game was but credit to Sydney Uni - with close to a full-strength team, they came to play. "They opened the scoring off our mistakes and repeated penalties, along with exit kicks and penalties not finding touch resulted in easy turnover ball. "We were camped in our 22 for about 22 minutes, defending our try line which took a bit of a toll on our girls." Manly was still in the game at halftime, trailing by just 12 points. But the mistakes kept coming after the break, as did the Uni tries. Ben said: "There are a lot of learnings we can take from it." The Mermaids travel to Newcastle on Saturday to play the Wildfires in a 2 v 3 showdown, with fly-half Waiaria Ellis (pictured) certain to have an influence. The two teams will meet again in the first week of the finals for the right to take on Uni in the grand final. |
Mermaids coach Ben Tuipulotu called it the loss we had to have. Up against undefeated Sydney Uni in the early game at Manly Oval last Saturday, our girls went down 22-0. Tuipulotu called it a timely wake-up call so close to the finals. "The score didnât indicate how tough the game was but credit to Sydney Uni - with close to a full-strength team, they came to play. "They opened the scoring off our mistakes and repeated penalties, along with exit kicks and penalties not finding touch resulted in easy turnover ball. "We were camped in our 22 for about 22 minutes, defending our try line which took a bit of a toll on our girls." Manly was still in the game at halftime, trailing by just 12 points. But the mistakes kept coming after the break, as did the Uni tries. Ben said: "There are a lot of learnings we can take from it." The Mermaids travel to Newcastle on Saturday to play the Wildfires in a 2 v 3 showdown, with fly-half Waiaria Ellis (pictured) certain to have an influence. The two teams will meet again in the first week of the finals for the right to take on Uni in the grand final. |
 |
 |
Thank-you to each and every one of the 481 people who packed into the Four Seasons Hotel for our annual lunch last Friday. It was a day to remember as the historic Rocks turned red and blue for an afternoon. The Marlins' financial whizzes are still sweating over their abacuses but there's every indication the fundraising tally will reach record heights, thanks in large to our generous auction and raffle prize donors. And that is great news for our extensive men's and women's rugby programs. The lunch organising committee is already discussing plans for the 2025 event, which is likely to have a British and Irish Lions flavour to it. "The overwhelming feedback has been very positive and I again thank everyone who came and/or contributed to the success of the day," president Matt Curll said. "Everyone I spoke to on the day and since have all said they had a great day out in the city, catching up with old faces and having a good old laugh." Before we go, those who won auction or raffle items are asked to contact Greg Marr (manager@manlyrugby.com.au or 0416 070 027) to arrange collection of their prizes. |
Thank-you to each and every one of the 481 people who packed into the Four Seasons Hotel for our annual lunch last Friday. It was a day to remember as the historic Rocks turned red and blue for an afternoon. The Marlins' financial whizzes are still sweating over their abacuses but there's every indication the fundraising tally will reach record heights, thanks in large to our generous auction and raffle prize donors. And that is great news for our extensive men's and women's rugby programs. The lunch organising committee is already discussing plans for the 2025 event, which is likely to have a British and Irish Lions flavour to it. "The overwhelming feedback has been very positive and I again thank everyone who came and/or contributed to the success of the day," president Matt Curll said. "Everyone I spoke to on the day and since have all said they had a great day out in the city, catching up with old faces and having a good old laugh." Before we go, those who won auction or raffle items are asked to contact Greg Marr (manager@manlyrugby.com.au or 0416 070 027) to arrange collection of their prizes. |
 |
Photo Credit @David MacLean |
Photo Credit @David MacLean |
Wallaby assistant coach "Lord" Laurie Fisher was one of the guest speakers at the lunch and gave an hilarious insight into the workings of Eddie Jones. When Jones accepted the Australian job and was putting his staff together for his second stint in charge, he rang Fisher and invited him to a meeting at a Randwick cafĂ©. Fisher, who was the Wallabies assistant under Jones' predecessor Dave Rennie and 2IC at the Brumbies, still wanted to be part of Australia's 2023 World Cup campaign. "Eddie said 'we'll go and have coffee and talk about things'," Fisher told lunch-goers. "First thing is I get there and he didnât offer to buy me a coffee â that's not a good start, I immediately thought 'something's wrong'. "Secondly, he then starts asking me about my family and I know he doesnât give a rat's arse about all that stuff. "So I'm sitting there waiting for the sucker punch and it arrives. "He starts going on about how there's a perception there's too many Brumbies involved at the Wallaby level and some people have to go. "That was the end of conversationâŠand still no coffee. "I said to him 'Eddie I appreciate the feedback. It wonât be the first mistake you make and it won't be the last'." Fisher thought his days with Wallabies were done but Joe Schmidt threw him a lifeline and now he's back in the fold and riding high after three straight wins. |
Wallaby assistant coach "Lord" Laurie Fisher was one of the guest speakers at the lunch and gave an hilarious insight into the workings of Eddie Jones. When Jones accepted the Australian job and was putting his staff together for his second stint in charge, he rang Fisher and invited him to a meeting at a Randwick cafĂ©. Fisher, who was the Wallabies assistant under Jones' predecessor Dave Rennie and 2IC at the Brumbies, still wanted to be part of Australia's 2023 World Cup campaign. "Eddie said 'we'll go and have coffee and talk about things'," Fisher told lunch-goers. "First thing is I get there and he didnât offer to buy me a coffee â that's not a good start, I immediately thought 'something's wrong'. "Secondly, he then starts asking me about my family and I know he doesnât give a rat's arse about all that stuff. "So I'm sitting there waiting for the sucker punch and it arrives. "He starts going on about how there's a perception there's too many Brumbies involved at the Wallaby level and some people have to go. "That was the end of conversationâŠand still no coffee. "I said to him 'Eddie I appreciate the feedback. It wonât be the first mistake you make and it won't be the last'." Fisher thought his days with Wallabies were done but Joe Schmidt threw him a lifeline and now he's back in the fold and riding high after three straight wins. |
 |
The last home game of the regular season is fast approaching and it will be one not to miss. Not only will we be fighting for a spot in the top four against fellow finalists Norths, but it's our world-famous Ladies Day bash. Manly Oval's eastern touchline will resemble a cowboy ranch as the girls get into the spirit of the Country and Western theme, complete with mini rodeo. The mind boggles at what may unfold from 1pm. Tickets available here |
The last home game of the regular season is fast approaching and it will be one not to miss. Not only will we be fighting for a spot in the top four against fellow finalists Norths, but it's our world-famous Ladies Day bash. Manly Oval's eastern touchline will resemble a cowboy ranch as the girls get into the spirit of the Country and Western theme, complete with mini rodeo. The mind boggles at what may unfold from 1pm. Tickets available here |
As the end of the season approaches, there will be some savings to be had as we clear out our 2024 merchandise. This week's discounts include dress shirts, (down to just $40) and polos modelled by 2nd Grad Coach Sam Lane above (cut from $40 to $30). They can be collected at the office or posted to you (at a cost of $20). ClickHERE to snap up a bargain. |
As the end of the season approaches, there will be some savings to be had as we clear out our 2024 merchandise. This week's discounts include dress shirts, (down to just $40) and polos modelled by 2nd Grad Coach Sam Lane above (cut from $40 to $30). They can be collected at the office or posted to you (at a cost of $20). ClickHERE to snap up a bargain. |
 |
Rumour #1: Who's the big name rep star desperate to play a part in the Marlins' finals push? He may return as soon as next week. Rumour #2: Who is the well-known Marlin who needed his wife to chaperone him home from post-lunch festivities last Friday? Her "forgetful" hubby had walked out without his jacket, wallet and phone the previous two years and she wisely didn't want a repeat performance. Rumour #3: There have been informal talks with prominent Japanese club rugby figures over the form of Marlins forward Sau Ofahengaue. The son of big Willie O (both pictured above) has been great for us this season, dominating at No.8 or in the second-row. Rumour #4: With byes coming thick and fast in fourth grade due to a lack of teams, there's been whispers that level may be cut from next year's fixture list. Any such move would be met by great resistance by Manly and other heavyweight clubs. Rumour #5: The furore over the alleged Eastern Suburbs player breach just won't subside. We hear the Sydney Rugby Union has ordered an independent review into the matter. Stand clear for the explosion. |
Rumour #1: Who's the big name rep star desperate to play a part in the Marlins' finals push? He may return as soon as next week. Rumour #2: Who is the well-known Marlin who needed his wife to chaperone him home from post-lunch festivities last Friday? Her "forgetful" hubby had walked out without his jacket, wallet and phone the previous two years and she wisely didn't want a repeat performance. Rumour #3: There have been informal talks with prominent Japanese club rugby figures over the form of Marlins forward Sau Ofahengaue. The son of big Willie O (both pictured above) has been great for us this season, dominating at No.8 or in the second-row. Rumour #4: With byes coming thick and fast in fourth grade due to a lack of teams, there's been whispers that level may be cut from next year's fixture list. Any such move would be met by great resistance by Manly and other heavyweight clubs. Rumour #5: The furore over the alleged Eastern Suburbs player breach just won't subside. We hear the Sydney Rugby Union has ordered an independent review into the matter. Stand clear for the explosion. |
 |
|
|
| |
