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4/06/2008 - By Manly Sea Eagles
The pledge for the Manly Sea Eagles to remain at Brookvale Oval became a reality today with NSW Premier Mr Morris Iemma granting $6 million for new work at the aging Pittwater Road ground.
The State Government's grant comes on top of the $4 million offered by Warringah Council earlier this year and ensures the Sea Eagles will remain at the club's spiritual home.
Mr Iemma called Manly CEO Grant Mayer and long time Manly Board member Kerry Sibraa to his offices today to make the announcement. Mr Sibraa has worked tirelessly for many years to push for the much needed improvement and today's announcement was a triumph for his hard work.
"The Premier wanted to make a special announcement regarding Brookvale Oval which is why it wasn't listed in yesterday's Budget statement.
"He has always said he would help and this is a magnificent gesture to the people of the peninsula not just for the thousands of supporters who support the Sea Eagles, "Mr Sibraa said.
Star forward Glenn Stewart represented the players at the announcement with the Premier and couldn't hide his delight.
"No teams like coming to Fortress Brookvale and we can maintain that great record well into the future at the great old ground and give our fans the facilities they deserve. It is great to know we will be calling Brookie home for a long time to come - I love playing there, "Stewart said.
Manly Chairman Scott Penn said it was an historic day for the Sea Eagles.
"This gesture by the State Government on top of the promise from Warringah Council gives the Sea Eagles great hope for the future.
"It cements our foothold where we started in 1947 and honours our pioneer players and officials who have fought hard to keep the maroon and whites where they belong. I would like to publicly thank Kerry Sibraa for his work over many years in his constant push for government support for Brookvale Oval, "Mr Penn said.
With $10 million now pledged the Sea Eagles will now turn to the Federal Government to play its part in the rebuilding of Brookvale Oval.
Manly CEO Grant Mayer said "anywhere between $6 million and $10 million from the Federal Government would see us with a boutique ground the Peninsula could be proud of for all codes of football "Mr Mayer said.
http://www.manlyseaeagles.com.au/news.asp?newsid=3284
Great news!!!!!!!!!
