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Menzies almost joined Eels
By Dean Ritchie
June 2, 2006
MANLY legend Steve Menzies - ready to play his 300th first grade game this weekend - last night revealed the moment he almost quit the Brookvale club he worships to join rival Parramatta.
It was in 2000 and Menzies's manager, Wayne Beavis, had held high-level talks with Eels's management.
So interested was Menzies in the offer, he drove to Parramatta Stadium for a secret meeting with then Eels coach Brian Smith.
Menzies liked what he heard from Smith. He also liked the money being spoken.
It was the first time in his long and golden career Menzies contemplated what Sydney's northern beaches would think unbearable - walking out to become an Eel.
"I was pretty close to going - I seriously considered it," Menzies told The Daily Telegraph.
"It was the longest and hardest I ever thought about leaving Manly.
"I went and saw Brian Smith and there was a pretty good offer there.
"I was interested in what he had to say and I was impressed with his football brain.
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"He thought my game would suit Parramatta's style of play. I was impressed with his knowledge."
Menzies spoke with family and friends about a possible move to western Sydney.
At the time, Parramatta had a powerful side and would make the following year's NRL grand final.
Conversely, Manly was struggling, not having reached the finals for four years.
"Prior to this I had never really thought about leaving. But I thought, 'This might be an option for me'," Menzies said.
But within a week Menzies had decided. He would stay with the club he cheered as a kid when playing juniors for Harbord United.
"I suppose deep down I knew it would be hard to leave," Menzies said.
"I always only wanted to play with Manly.
"You could say I knew I had made the right decision.
"I slept well after having made the decision. It was the right decision.
"I was comfortable here and although at the time we weren't going great, I was happy with the direction we were taking.
"I wanted to help see us through the bad times and help rebuild the club.
"At the time I was still enjoying my football.
"I suppose if you are losing and still liking my football, the club must have some good aspects.
"I grew up in Manly. That's where my family and friends are.
"They were the team I followed as a kid. I suppose looking back I would never have been able to leave."
And Menzies' loyalty will be rewarded against Penrith this Sunday at CUA Stadium, Penrith. He will run out for his 300th first grade - only one of eight other players to achieve the honour - Terry Lamb (349), Brad Fittler (336), Cliff Lyons (332), Andrew Ettingshausen (328), Geoff Gerard (320), Paul Langmack (315), Jason Croker (304) and Luke Ricketson (301).
Should he stay fit, Menzies will be the first to play more than 350 matches. He could reach 360.
And Menzies, who this week signed a new two-year deal with Manly, has essentially done it with one club.
He has played 230 matches for Manly and 69 for the Northern Eagles - the failed joint venture between the Sea Eagles and North Sydney.
"Only a couple of players at Manly have played 300 so it's a big honour to do it at one club," Menzies said.
"These are records that seem to mean more when you retire.
"It's a great milestone but the win against Penrith will be just as important.
"The whole event will be all the more satisfying if we can win. I suppose it will be hollow if we lose.
"We are coming seventh in the NRL. A lot of teams are close together so it's vital we win."
Manly teammates this week paid tribute to the champion Menzies.
"He's a Manly legend, a champion player and a champion bloke," five-eighth Travis Burns said.
"He's been really good to me. He's put in a lot of work with me and all the young guys.
"To be playing so well after so many years says it all."
Halfback Matt Orford agreed, saying: "For a second-rower or back-rower he reads the game so well.
"He pops up where he's not supposed to.
"I feel lucky to have had half-a-season with him [at the Northern Eagles] and now this season. He's a real character." Asked how he felt about life, Menzies said: "I'm continuing to live my dream of playing for Manly."
The Daily Telegraph
By Dean Ritchie
June 2, 2006
MANLY legend Steve Menzies - ready to play his 300th first grade game this weekend - last night revealed the moment he almost quit the Brookvale club he worships to join rival Parramatta.
It was in 2000 and Menzies's manager, Wayne Beavis, had held high-level talks with Eels's management.
So interested was Menzies in the offer, he drove to Parramatta Stadium for a secret meeting with then Eels coach Brian Smith.
Menzies liked what he heard from Smith. He also liked the money being spoken.
It was the first time in his long and golden career Menzies contemplated what Sydney's northern beaches would think unbearable - walking out to become an Eel.
"I was pretty close to going - I seriously considered it," Menzies told The Daily Telegraph.
"It was the longest and hardest I ever thought about leaving Manly.
"I went and saw Brian Smith and there was a pretty good offer there.
"I was interested in what he had to say and I was impressed with his football brain.
Advertisement:
"He thought my game would suit Parramatta's style of play. I was impressed with his knowledge."
Menzies spoke with family and friends about a possible move to western Sydney.
At the time, Parramatta had a powerful side and would make the following year's NRL grand final.
Conversely, Manly was struggling, not having reached the finals for four years.
"Prior to this I had never really thought about leaving. But I thought, 'This might be an option for me'," Menzies said.
But within a week Menzies had decided. He would stay with the club he cheered as a kid when playing juniors for Harbord United.
"I suppose deep down I knew it would be hard to leave," Menzies said.
"I always only wanted to play with Manly.
"You could say I knew I had made the right decision.
"I slept well after having made the decision. It was the right decision.
"I was comfortable here and although at the time we weren't going great, I was happy with the direction we were taking.
"I wanted to help see us through the bad times and help rebuild the club.
"At the time I was still enjoying my football.
"I suppose if you are losing and still liking my football, the club must have some good aspects.
"I grew up in Manly. That's where my family and friends are.
"They were the team I followed as a kid. I suppose looking back I would never have been able to leave."
And Menzies' loyalty will be rewarded against Penrith this Sunday at CUA Stadium, Penrith. He will run out for his 300th first grade - only one of eight other players to achieve the honour - Terry Lamb (349), Brad Fittler (336), Cliff Lyons (332), Andrew Ettingshausen (328), Geoff Gerard (320), Paul Langmack (315), Jason Croker (304) and Luke Ricketson (301).
Should he stay fit, Menzies will be the first to play more than 350 matches. He could reach 360.
And Menzies, who this week signed a new two-year deal with Manly, has essentially done it with one club.
He has played 230 matches for Manly and 69 for the Northern Eagles - the failed joint venture between the Sea Eagles and North Sydney.
"Only a couple of players at Manly have played 300 so it's a big honour to do it at one club," Menzies said.
"These are records that seem to mean more when you retire.
"It's a great milestone but the win against Penrith will be just as important.
"The whole event will be all the more satisfying if we can win. I suppose it will be hollow if we lose.
"We are coming seventh in the NRL. A lot of teams are close together so it's vital we win."
Manly teammates this week paid tribute to the champion Menzies.
"He's a Manly legend, a champion player and a champion bloke," five-eighth Travis Burns said.
"He's been really good to me. He's put in a lot of work with me and all the young guys.
"To be playing so well after so many years says it all."
Halfback Matt Orford agreed, saying: "For a second-rower or back-rower he reads the game so well.
"He pops up where he's not supposed to.
"I feel lucky to have had half-a-season with him [at the Northern Eagles] and now this season. He's a real character." Asked how he felt about life, Menzies said: "I'm continuing to live my dream of playing for Manly."
The Daily Telegraph
and thats why i've always liked Menzies
