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In the news this week, for the first time in 2026... - A Grade Above
- Colts' Big Build Up
- Girls Won’t Back Away
- Trials Locked In
- Golf Day's An Ace
- Meat Tray Goat
- Magic Mudgee
- Coaches Needed
- Membership Has Its Privileges
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In the news this week, for the first time in 2026... - A Grade Above
- Colts' Big Build Up
- Girls Won’t Back Away
- Trials Locked In
- Golf Day's An Ace
- Meat Tray Goat
- Magic Mudgee
- Coaches Needed
- Membership Has Its Privileges
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Since we last touched base prior to Christmas, our men's grade teams have been hard at it as they zero in on the start of the season. And head coach Sam Lane loves what he's seeing. "There is a really good energy among all the players and coaching staff. We've had four full teams running most sessions, which is great for this time of the year," he said. "The guys that have joined the club from the UK or New Zealand or interstate have slotted right in and getting to know our systems. "Having the right guys here from the start so we can build it is very exciting." One of those guys is classy fly-half Joe Dillon, who returns to the club after a stint at the Brumbies. The No.10 position has been the veritable musical chairs for a number of years and it's hoped Dillon will bring some stability not to mention his immense skill set. We've also picked up ex-Melbourne Rebels front-rower Fereti Sa'aga, who retired at just 25 years of age in 2020 but now wants to resurrect his career. He's a massive unit who promises to be a real weapon at scrum time. We'll keep you updated on the pre-season progress |
Since we last touched base prior to Christmas, our men's grade teams have been hard at it as they zero in on the start of the season. And head coach Sam Lane loves what he's seeing. "There is a really good energy among all the players and coaching staff. We've had four full teams running most sessions, which is great for this time of the year," he said. "The guys that have joined the club from the UK or New Zealand or interstate have slotted right in and getting to know our systems. "Having the right guys here from the start so we can build it is very exciting." One of those guys is classy fly-half Joe Dillon, who returns to the club after a stint at the Brumbies. The No.10 position has been the veritable musical chairs for a number of years and it's hoped Dillon will bring some stability not to mention his immense skill set. We've also picked up ex-Melbourne Rebels front-rower Fereti Sa'aga, who retired at just 25 years of age in 2020 but now wants to resurrect his career. He's a massive unit who promises to be a real weapon at scrum time. We'll keep you updated on the pre-season progress |
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Massive in size, just as big in reputation. That sums up Greg Peterson – and we're very happy to announce the former Marlins second-rower and USA international is back in town and joining our Colts coaching staff under head coach Harry Jones for season 2026. Following his playing time in the red and blue, Greg enjoyed an extensive professional career, competing in premier competitions around the world with Leicester Tigers, Glasgow Warriors, Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB), Newcastle Falcons and San Diego Legion. He also represented America on 51 occasions, captaining the side from 2023-24. With 15 years' professional rugby experience, Greg is passionate about passing on his hard-earned knowledge to the Colts program and helping young players develop the professional mindset required to take the next step in their careers. It's a major coup for our young players, as is the appointment of another former Marlin, Alex Westgarth. Alex, who played prop for us between 2016-19 after arriving from England, is a scrum guru and will provide expert technical advice for our young players while also adding to the overall culture. With Marlins great Luke Donnan taking over as third grade colts coach – along with a number of other key appointments – there is a real buzz at pre-season training. "Colts have started 2026 with great momentum. Culture and connection have been at the foundation with boys coming together from local and surrounding areas, interstate, and even overseas," Jones reported. "With over 100 players, it is incredibly competitive and the group can't wait until the season starts." |
Massive in size, just as big in reputation. That sums up Greg Peterson – and we're very happy to announce the former Marlins second-rower and USA international is back in town and joining our Colts coaching staff under head coach Harry Jones for season 2026. Following his playing time in the red and blue, Greg enjoyed an extensive professional career, competing in premier competitions around the world with Leicester Tigers, Glasgow Warriors, Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB), Newcastle Falcons and San Diego Legion. He also represented America on 51 occasions, captaining the side from 2023-24. With 15 years' professional rugby experience, Greg is passionate about passing on his hard-earned knowledge to the Colts program and helping young players develop the professional mindset required to take the next step in their careers. It's a major coup for our young players, as is the appointment of another former Marlin, Alex Westgarth. Alex, who played prop for us between 2016-19 after arriving from England, is a scrum guru and will provide expert technical advice for our young players while also adding to the overall culture. With Marlins great Luke Donnan taking over as third grade colts coach – along with a number of other key appointments – there is a real buzz at pre-season training. "Colts have started 2026 with great momentum. Culture and connection have been at the foundation with boys coming together from local and surrounding areas, interstate, and even overseas," Jones reported. "With over 100 players, it is incredibly competitive and the group can't wait until the season starts." |
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The thing you've got to love about our female teams is their willingness to take on a challenge. Ever since the women's program was re-birthed two years ago, the girls have said yes to just about any goal head coach Ben Tuipulotu throws at them. They did just that last month, signing up to play in the Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament despite being up against some very stiff opposition. The results went pretty much as expected – one win from five against some of Fiji and New Zealand's finest – but the experience will be invaluable as the girls confront a massive year of 7s and 15-a-side rugby. "It was a very hard pool and the girls did not shy away from the challenge," Ben said. "We played in the pouring rain in muddy conditions and soaring heat against intimidating opponents, including pitch invaders (frogs!). "It made Keirle Park look like Twickenham. "It was a great experience and they got to know what the standards and level they need to get to play international rugby." Numbers at pre-season training have been enormous and we look set for a big season of women's rugby. |
The thing you've got to love about our female teams is their willingness to take on a challenge. Ever since the women's program was re-birthed two years ago, the girls have said yes to just about any goal head coach Ben Tuipulotu throws at them. They did just that last month, signing up to play in the Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament despite being up against some very stiff opposition. The results went pretty much as expected – one win from five against some of Fiji and New Zealand's finest – but the experience will be invaluable as the girls confront a massive year of 7s and 15-a-side rugby. "It was a very hard pool and the girls did not shy away from the challenge," Ben said. "We played in the pouring rain in muddy conditions and soaring heat against intimidating opponents, including pitch invaders (frogs!). "It made Keirle Park look like Twickenham. "It was a great experience and they got to know what the standards and level they need to get to play international rugby." Numbers at pre-season training have been enormous and we look set for a big season of women's rugby. |
For those looking to get their rugby fix before the season officially gets underway, a series of first grade trials have been set down for next month. We'll play Canberra side the Owls down there on March 14 followed by matches against Gordon on the 21st at the Sydney Academy of Sport (Narrabeen) and Warringah on the 28th at Rat Park. Our lower grade and women's sides will also be trialling on these dates. Our official season launch will be held on March 29 at a venue to be decided, so put that one in the diary as well. And if you feel like a trip out of Sydney this weekend, we will be sending men's and women's teams to the Mick "Whale" Curry 7s tournament in Hamilton on Saturday. |
For those looking to get their rugby fix before the season officially gets underway, a series of first grade trials have been set down for next month. We'll play Canberra side the Owls down there on March 14 followed by matches against Gordon on the 21st at the Sydney Academy of Sport (Narrabeen) and Warringah on the 28th at Rat Park. Our lower grade and women's sides will also be trialling on these dates. Our official season launch will be held on March 29 at a venue to be decided, so put that one in the diary as well. And if you feel like a trip out of Sydney this weekend, we will be sending men's and women's teams to the Mick "Whale" Curry 7s tournament in Hamilton on Saturday. |
Judging by the number of turned off phones and delayed text message returns we've encountered over the past few weeks, it would appear the Marlins fraternity is spending plenty of time on the golf course. And that's a good thing because it means plenty of you are fine tuning your game for next month's annual Marlins golf day. It all tees off on March 6 at the magnificent Long Reef course. Entry fee includes breakfast, 18 holes of golf, on-course drinks cart, BBQ lunch and some great prizes, including a shot at a $10,000 Hole-in-One opportunity. We also have hole sponsorship spots available (which includes all of the above for four players plus carts). Players can register here to secure a spot for the day HERE. |
Judging by the number of turned off phones and delayed text message returns we've encountered over the past few weeks, it would appear the Marlins fraternity is spending plenty of time on the golf course. And that's a good thing because it means plenty of you are fine tuning your game for next month's annual Marlins golf day. It all tees off on March 6 at the magnificent Long Reef course. Entry fee includes breakfast, 18 holes of golf, on-course drinks cart, BBQ lunch and some great prizes, including a shot at a $10,000 Hole-in-One opportunity. We also have hole sponsorship spots available (which includes all of the above for four players plus carts). Players can register here to secure a spot for the day HERE. |
The one thing legendary volunteer Geoff Riddington enjoys almost as much as a Manly victory is a win on the hotly contested meat raffle circuit. From Palm Beach to Manly, Riddo's ability to pick up a sweet tray of bacon, eggs, lamb chops and snags is unparalleled. He celebrates every raffle win like a grand final, posing with glee and posting news of his many triumphs in our volunteers' WhatsApp group. Now, for the first time, the meat raffle GOAT has shared his methods with the rest of us tray-chasing desperates. "It’s all about ticket purchase timing," he tells Fillets. "From an outside back's position, it’s the same as timing your run from fullback to link in with the centres or run down the blindside. "When purchasing meat raffle tickets, watch the ticket line and when you see a gap jump in and purchase $10 worth then rejoin the end of the ticket line for another $10 worth. "You receive the ball (meat tray) and you're in under the posts… too easy!" Consider yourselves taught. |
The one thing legendary volunteer Geoff Riddington enjoys almost as much as a Manly victory is a win on the hotly contested meat raffle circuit. From Palm Beach to Manly, Riddo's ability to pick up a sweet tray of bacon, eggs, lamb chops and snags is unparalleled. He celebrates every raffle win like a grand final, posing with glee and posting news of his many triumphs in our volunteers' WhatsApp group. Now, for the first time, the meat raffle GOAT has shared his methods with the rest of us tray-chasing desperates. "It’s all about ticket purchase timing," he tells Fillets. "From an outside back's position, it’s the same as timing your run from fullback to link in with the centres or run down the blindside. "When purchasing meat raffle tickets, watch the ticket line and when you see a gap jump in and purchase $10 worth then rejoin the end of the ticket line for another $10 worth. "You receive the ball (meat tray) and you're in under the posts… too easy!" Consider yourselves taught. |
If you're into rugby, wine and taking in some fresh country air, don’t waste time booking your trip to Mudgee for our round six clash with Gordon on May 16. We will keep feeding you details as they come to hand but can tell you there will be an official pre-match function at the Oriental Hotel on the Friday night (the 15th) and a post-match gathering at a yet-to-be-determined venue. The second grade game will kick off around 2.30pm Saturday with 1s looking at a 4pm start at the magnificent Glen Willow Stadium. Anyone who has been to Mudgee doesn’t need the hard sell and those who haven’t should add it to their must-do list. We'd love to see as many Manly supporters as possible out there - and to sweeten the deal we've been offered reduced-cost accommodation at the Clairfield Hotel. Jump on their website (https://www.theclairfieldhotel.com.au) and use the discount code Marlins26 to receive 20 per cent off. See you there. |
If you're into rugby, wine and taking in some fresh country air, don’t waste time booking your trip to Mudgee for our round six clash with Gordon on May 16. We will keep feeding you details as they come to hand but can tell you there will be an official pre-match function at the Oriental Hotel on the Friday night (the 15th) and a post-match gathering at a yet-to-be-determined venue. The second grade game will kick off around 2.30pm Saturday with 1s looking at a 4pm start at the magnificent Glen Willow Stadium. Anyone who has been to Mudgee doesn’t need the hard sell and those who haven’t should add it to their must-do list. We'd love to see as many Manly supporters as possible out there - and to sweeten the deal we've been offered reduced-cost accommodation at the Clairfield Hotel. Jump on their website (https://www.theclairfieldhotel.com.au) and use the discount code Marlins26 to receive 20 per cent off. See you there. |
Think you've got what it takes to be a co-coach? If so, send us your CV (rugby@manlyrugby.com.au) as we're looking to fill spots in our third and fourth grade sides. Both teams are coming off minor premiership wins so you will be stepping into a quality environment. Also, we're always on the lookout for volunteers for any number of roles so use that same email address to let us know if you’re up for it. It will be one of the best decisions you've ever made. |
Think you've got what it takes to be a co-coach? If so, send us your CV (rugby@manlyrugby.com.au) as we're looking to fill spots in our third and fourth grade sides. Both teams are coming off minor premiership wins so you will be stepping into a quality environment. Also, we're always on the lookout for volunteers for any number of roles so use that same email address to let us know if you’re up for it. It will be one of the best decisions you've ever made. |
The 2026 season is just around the corner - and now is the time for everyone to get signed up for another big year at Manly. Whether you’re renewing or joining for the first time, membership is the best way to get behind the club. Members enjoy access to home games, member discounts, member-only events and offers, priority club communications, and the chance to be part of a proud rugby community - on and off the field. This season promises cracking matches, strong competition, and plenty of ways to be involved. Click here to join our 2026 members and be part of what’s shaping up to be an incredible year. |
The 2026 season is just around the corner - and now is the time for everyone to get signed up for another big year at Manly. Whether you’re renewing or joining for the first time, membership is the best way to get behind the club. Members enjoy access to home games, member discounts, member-only events and offers, priority club communications, and the chance to be part of a proud rugby community - on and off the field. This season promises cracking matches, strong competition, and plenty of ways to be involved. Click here to join our 2026 members and be part of what’s shaping up to be an incredible year. |
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