Matt Ballin retires

[Vyssini]

Fox Sports just reporting that Matt Balin has announced his retirement- bring him back to the fold asap!!!!

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Sad to hear it. A honest hard working hooker who gave Manly many years or loyal service. He deserved a better finish to his career but achieved plenty!

 

[Harvies elbow]

What an absolute champion.
Well done Matty.
Come home soon.
In any capacity.

 

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

time to sign next years water runner!

 

[Chip and Chase]

Had a horrible run of injuries to round out his career - as much as it was sad to see him go we made the right decision cutting him loose.

Great player for us, ironically mainly because of his reliability and dependability. Retires with two premierships, much deserved - who will forget his try in 2008 GF to kick off proceedings. Defensively sound with great service from dummy half, joins an illustrious list of quality Manly rakes.

Now we just have to wait for him to become the 5th inductee into MWSE life members list as promised - unless they have forgotten about their newly minted honour

http://www.go1.seaeagles.com.au/news/2015/12/09/sea_eagles_announce_.html

 

[torana355]

A Manly Legend, one of the nicest blokes you would ever meet and one hell of a number 9. Would have him back at some capacity in an instant.

 

[EagleBoi13]

Well done MattyB - legend. Hope you can return home

 

[Shoe1]

We might have a hard time getting him back. Cleary will want the help and they will need to pay Matty for 2017 anyway. Then again, the Tigers are idiots and generally don't retain talent.

 

[globaleagle]

A great guy and 2 time premiership winner with Manly.

Shook my hand when I watched Manly beat the warriors in New Zealand. (then again...so did James Hasson...)

I was relieved when we were in all sorts of re-signing trouble and he penned a new deal which seemed to give many comfort.

Of course...he got turfed the next year but it was appreciated at the time.

best of luck Matt....may I never have to take one of your fitness classes.

 

[simon64]

Always knew he was a class act when he showed up for Killer's farewell.

As tough and as fit as they come and would have played a stack of origins had it not been for Scam Smith.

Well done Matty B. Enjoy retirement. You've earned it.

 

[robbiea]

Did he ever run out for the Tigers ?

 

[globaleagle]

Did he ever run out for the Tigers ?

65 mins in two years I think it was.

 

[Chip and Chase]

Confirmed on NRL.com

http://www.nrl.com/matt-ballin-announces-retirement/tabid/10874/newsid/109338/default.aspx

 

[grassy]

I wish him all the best.🙂

 

[pjayz]

Champion

 

[Eagles2nv]

All the best Matty. Your service to the eagles will not be forgotten.

 

[Ned]

Good on you Matty, you had a great career. Enjoy retirement.

 

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

The very last one from 2008 GF team standing is now down. End of an era.

 

[Bearfax]

Bring him back as fitness coach.

 

[sheridanstand78]

Matty B was the pride of our club and stood out in our 08 and 11 premierships, he was a vital player for us with a work rate that no other could match. When he was forced out in 15 it was really heartbreaking for many of us.

Now that he has retired. I implore the owners of our club to get him back to our club as he has Manly blood running through his veins and as a football club member, I sincerely hope that ar our AGM later this year he is inducted as a life member of our club.

Thanks for the memories Matty, your legacy will never be forgotten by our fans!!