There are fears the Eagles Angels, the famed female league supporters group, may disband because they don't figure in the plans of the new management regime at Manly.
The Eagles Angels were originally formed in 2002 by Wendy Harmer and Sarah Murdoch to lend support to the club during its darkest days. What started out as a humble fundraiser at a sportswoman's dinner evolved into the prototype for female supporter groups. Their stellar line-up includes sports stars Layne Beachley, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, Laura Enever, Kerri Pottharst, Naomi Flood, Debbie Watson, Louise Savage, Anne Sargeant and Nici Andronicus. However, the sacking of long-serving Manly staffer Mary Finkelsen, one of the big drivers behind the Eagles Angels, has raised concerns over its future. Finkelsen is taking unfair dismissal action against the club and the matter is before the courts. Another concern is the fact that there has been no communication with the Angels from head office since the ownership changes at Manly last year.
"Obviously I'd be loath to see it go because the Eagles Angels are a pioneer when it comes to these women supporter groups," Harmer said.
"Now every other club has got one. I hope that the club continues to see us as the great asset that we are. No one at the club has contacted me about where the Angels go next. I know the Eagles Angels are loyal to the club and want to keep the outfit going because we were the original and the best.
"I'm just assuming they have a lot on their plate, that's the best complexion I can put on it. All I can imagine is that they are very, very busy.
"They know my phone number. I'm sure they will be calling very soon."
Over the years, the Eagles Angels have had their own sponsors and have arranged events to raise money for charities such as Bear Cottage. They have also been great spruikers of the Sea Eagles and have non-sporting heavyhitters in the group, such as Manly Mayor Jean Hay.
Disabled match opened Ferguson's eyes
If Blake Ferguson remains on the straight and narrow and goes on to fulfil his undoubted potential, he may well look back on this moment as a turning point.
Unregistered with the NRL and with no guarantees he would be welcomed back to rugby league, Ferguson was offered a chance to begin off-field work with the Roosters. Midway through last year, the club suggested the former NSW three-quarter head to Henson Park to watch a very special match. It was a clash between sides playing in the NSW Physical Disability Rugby League, in which competitors overcome very different setbacks to Ferguson's to participate in the greatest game of all.
While the presence of an NRL star, albeit a fallen one, was a treat for the players, it was Ferguson who got the most out of the experience.
"I really enjoyed it, it was a real eye opener for me," Ferguson said beforeSunday's clash against the club that sacked him, Canberra.
"I enjoy working with people with physical disabilities because everyone deserves an opportunity to do something they love.
"There was one kid whose gait of movement wasn't the same, it was 45 degrees. He was still a really good footy player, I enjoyed watching him.
"I did get a lot out of spending time with the guys. I met a few lads and I said to come to the games. I shook their hands because I remember them, I'm not a shallow guy who will stick my nose up. I enjoy coming over to them and having a yarn."
Artificial Brookvale plan panned
Turf Australia has slammed a proposal from Warringah Mayor Michael Regan for the NRL to cough up $1 million to provide Brookvale Oval with a synthetic field, believing the result will be a "terrible" surface for rugby league.
Manly's home ground, famously described by Todd Lowrie as a "shit hole", has come under fire after it was presented as a sandy heap for last weekend's clash with Canterbury. The club and council have resolved to suspend matches at the venue until April 7 to let the surface regenerate before the Sea Eagles' next home game. However, Turf Australia president Anthony Muscat has cautioned against laying synthetic as a long-term solution.
"Synthetic turf isn't a good idea at all for a sports field, especially football," said Muscat, who produces and sells both natural and artificial turf.
"As far as the burns and the heat that comes off the surface as compared to natural turf, it would be terrible. If you get abrasions the blood will stay on the grass and then other players fall on it because it's such a contact sport. With natural turf there's also a cushioning effect because of the softness and the soil underneath. And ankle injuries would be significantly higher on synthetic field."
Muscat said the costs of maintaining the synthetic surfaces wouldn't necessarily be any cheaper than real grass.
"Being made out of plastic, I don't see how it's ever going to be better than a natural playing surface," he said. "They say the are improving the quality of the plastic, but it's still plastic."
Myles speculation off mark
There has been speculation that Nate Myles, in order to move closer to his wife's family in Melbourne, will end up at the Storm this year. Take it as fact that Melbourne aren't interested, it won't be happening.
Maloney seeks Roosters extension
James Maloney's management will sit down with the Roosters this week in the hope of nutting out a contract extension. Manly will be watching proceedings with interest as they seek a replacement for Parramatta-bound Kieran Foran, but team Maloney won't consider outside interest unless they can't come to terms with the Chooks.
Hooker out to smash mates
Roosters hooker Matt McIlwrick is looking forward to proving a point to former club Canberra in Sunday's clash at Allianz Stadium.
"I've got a few mates there I've always wanted to play against," he said. "I know how they play and will look forward to smashing a few mates, it will be good.
"It would be good to show what I can do against the old club but in saying that we have to play our own game."
