Remembering Phillip Hughes

I'll never forget where I was when the news broke that Phillip Hughes had passed away. It was a Thursday and I had just come home from school, glued to the afternoon news as everyone waited for any update on his situation. I had to go to the orthodontist at 4pm and just before we were about to leave the headlines flashed upon my television screen. My Mum and I got into the car and headed to Manly for my appointment. The trip was silent as we listened to radio stations letting their audience know of the awful news. 

Completely heartbroken. I could hardly believe such a budding athlete's life had been taken before he could really show his potential. It was a weird feeling. Whilst never even speaking to him I was so upset by his passing. Being so invested in the sport and seeing this tragedy unfold made it almost feel like I had lost a family member myself. And whilst my heart reached out to his family and close friends, it also reached out to Sean Abbott who had gone through one of the most traumatic experiences of his life. The comments he received on social media after the incident were absolutely disgusting. It was not his fault.

I hardly ever saw Phillip Hughes without a smile on his face. Whatever team he was playing for, he would always be laughing in the field. His radiant personality evidently rubbed off on his team mates, hence why they truly loved him so much. I hope every little cricketer learns from Hughes to always truly enjoy the sport, from the moment they begin to throughout their professional career if they're lucky to make it that far.

Today marks another year that has gone past without Phillip Hughes. Last year we watched the Aussies put in a gutsy performance where Mitchell Starc batted with a broken foot and the team's physiotherapist had to field. This year is no different, after two embarrassing defeats a team of young guns have come together to put in a valiant effort and give the Saffas a run for their money. It's almost as if Hughesy is watching over the boys.

Ever since the accident I always notice the number 408, and every time I check my phone to see the time in the afternoon it always seems to read "4:08pm". I know I won't ever stop remembering number 408,  neither will the rest of the cricket community. I hope you still have that infectious smile on your face Hughesy. You'll forever be 63 not out x

Why I love Jamie Lyon

I was in year 2 when I chose my first ever favourite player. The year was 2007, we had just lost the grand final to the Melbourne Storm, and the legendary Steve Menzies was heading into his last season at the Sea Eagles. Most other kids my age idolised Brett Stewart, and whilst 'Snake' was definitely up there as one of my favourites, I took an eager liking to Jamie Lyon. I can't remember exactly what led me to choose him as my favourite, but looking back now it is one of the best decisions an eight-year-old could make.

Seasons went by, premierships were won, and Jamie Lyon had implemented himself as one of the best to have ever played the game. Now, I am almost at the end of year 11 and a couple of months off turning seventeen, but only days out from Jamie Lyon's farewell to Brookvale Oval and the Manly faithful. 

He's my lock screen, I have memorabilia of his plastered around my room, and even bought an auctioned jersey of his with all my accumulated birthday and pocket money as a twelve-year-old. The day he announced his retirement was a Wednesday, which is the day I finish school at midday. Mum picked me up and we were headed to Subway for lunch. The car trip there was silent because any time I tried to speak I knew I'd shed a few more tears. As you can most definitely tell, my heart completely shattered that day.

Last season whilst writing for the Manly Daily I was lucky enough to do a piece on Jamie Lyon and a young girl who had won a competition to meet him. This of course meant that I was able to meet him too, and I was in absolute awe. Whilst being lucky enough to have met the other boys that make up the Sea Eagles, Jamie Lyon was one player who made me beyond star-struck, so this was one of the first times I had properly had a conversation with him.

This week has been a Jamie Lyon-athon on the media side of things, and I know Saturday will be nothing less. Personally, seeing players I loathe congratulating my favourite on his career almost makes me forget my dislike for them - that is until the video stops and the feeling returns. But planning has gone into full steam about whereabouts I should stand for the lap of honour, and how many Jamie Lyon masks I can manage to get a hold of.

It is so surreal that our courageous captain is retiring, and I'm sure all Manly fans can relate to that feeling. But having never had a player who I admire as much as I adore Jamie Lyon, it's almost unbelievable.

Dally M Centre of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014. Dally M Captain of the Year in 2012 and 2014. Rugby League International Federation Centre of the Year in 2011 and 2013. New South Wales Country in 2003 and 2009. New South Wales Blues in 2002, 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2010. Australian Kangaroos in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2010. Two premierships, one World Club Challenge. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles captain for seven years, from 2010 to 2016. This guy has done virtually everything the game has had to offer, but that's not the only aspect of Jamie Lyon's career that has given him the title of a 'legend'. 

Jamie Lyon is one of the most incredibly modest athletes to have ever played rugby league. Coming from humble beginnings in North-Western New South Wales, he never forgot where he came from. He upholds values of family at such a high level that he gave up representative football so that he could spend every second possible with his young family. Lyon's self-effacing nature even played a role in announcing his retirement, where instead of making a big scene out of it all, journalists asked one media session when he planned to retire, to which he replied this season. He is a player who will always make time for fans and is an incredible role model to budding rugby league players.

So, after seventeen years of playing professional rugby league, both in Australia and over in the United Kingdom, Jamie Lyon is hanging up the boots. Whilst it is not looking favourable that he will get the send off he deserves, I know Manly fans will give him the best reception possible. 

The accolades that are attached are well-deserved, but it is the way Jamie Lyon holds himself off the field that he has truly earned the title of one of the games' best. 

Thank you for everything Killer, you will be dearly missed in the maroon and white, but all us Manly fans hope to see you back around the club very soon. 
You, are a true legend.

Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles is a non-profit association run by chairman Mark Bryant and vice-chairman Josh Perry, bringing past  and present players of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles together, as well as the members and fans of the club. 

I interviewed Mark Bryant about the association to find out exactly what they want to do.

1. Why did you start the Golden Eagles?

We started this to do something positive for the club and fans. After all the drama that happened this year after the boardroom battles and bad press, Josh and I hated seeing the club we love in such a bad state. 

2. What are the association's plans going forward?

Our 2 main objectives are to keep all ex-players of all grades in retirement together, so we can support them if they need it. We also want to make the next generation of Manly first grader's a priority, as the main part of our fundraising will be going to junior rugby league on the Northern Beaches. We also want to include fans in the functions that we have, as they're the reason that we had jobs in our earlier years. 

3. Who is apart of the running of the association?

Myself and Josh Perry are chairman and vice-chairman respectively, as well as a number of other players from all different eras so that we can cover all members' needs. Norm Pounder, Dave Hosking, Brook Eadie and Matt Lonergan form our committee.

4. What are your opinions on the new CEO of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Joe Kelly?

We have had two meetings with Joe Kelly so far, and both Josh and I were really impressed. He's a down to earth guy, but he has a brilliant business mind and vision for the future of the club. He is already thinking of not only next year, but the next 5 years ahead. 

5. Will anything exciting be happening involving the Golden Eagles in the near future?

Next year we want to have a calendar of events which will be on our website, which will be opening very soon. We want to do supporter travel to away games so that the fans will be able to have organised tours. Not only will they be able to connect with the Golden Eagles members, but also the current playing squad as we have their full support. We intend to make the leagues club our home, as it has been neglected over the past few years and we want to help it come to life again, with hopefully a celebration back at the leagues club after every Brookvale game.

I am more than impressed with this association. It is a brilliant idea and truly kind for two of our premiership winning stars to give up their time for the greater good of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and their fans. It shows how the Manly culture has always been here, even many years after playing their final game for the maroon and white, they still come back to the club to help out wherever they can.

Make sure you keep an eye out for the Golden Eagles in 2015!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldeneaglesassociation

Twitter: @mwgoldeneagles