THE Sea Eagles have received a big boost in the countdown to the NRL season with the country’s No. 1 man becoming the club’s No. 1 ticketholder.
Prime Minister and Federal member for Warringah Tony Abbott is to take on the role.
The coup was formally announced during the Sea Eagles season launch on Thursday night at Le Kiosk restaurant at Shelly Beach.
And it follows the news that head coach Geoff Toovey has had his contract extended until the end of 2016.
Mr Abbott was unable to attend due to a more pressing engagement — the sitting of Federal Parliament — but he sent a video message which was played on the night.
Manly general manager David Perry contacted the Prime Minister inviting him to take on the position with the club in the heart of his electorate.
“Thank you very much for your recent letter inviting me to be the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Number 1 ticket holder,” Mr Abbott replied.
“It is a great pleasure to accept your offer.
“Let’s hope 2014 will be a great season for the Sea Eagles.”
Perry said it was a great privilege for Manly to have Mr Abbott in that position.
“We look forward to working with Mr Abbott to help enhance the club and it’s brand moving forward,” he said.
“And he is planning to attend a home game early in the season to acknowledge his position and our dedicated Sea Eagles fans."
Perry also praised Toovey’s leadership after it was revealed the club stalwart has agreed to a two-year contact extension as head coach.
“The whole club is proud of the fact that Geoff has agreed to a two-year extension for seasons 2015 and 16,” he said.
“You wouldn’t find a more passionate and committed leader of the Sea Eagles and this will no doubt rub off on the playing group and the culture of the club.”
Toovey, a Sea Eagles man down to his bootstraps, said it was fantastic the contract extension has been finalised.
“And it will give some continuity to the rest of the staff as well,” he said
JON GEDDES THE DAILY TELEGRAPH MARCH 01, 2014
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