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First Grade
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Mauro's stunning rise to first grade
John Greco
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2007/09/18/6451_sports.html
18Sep07
HE attends church every weekend, used to hang billboards part-time for extra cash and grew up dreaming of playing first grade for the Sea Eagles.
Manly forward Vic Mauro never thought things would fall into place so soon.
Mauro, who started 2007 as captain of the club's Jersey Flegg side, has completed a stunning rise to first grade footballer over the past month.
The highlight is without doubt his appearance off the bench in the club's historic home semi-final against the Rabbitohs.
``It's all happened pretty quick - a month ago I was playing Premier League,'' Mauro said.
``It's been fantastic, a nice surprise. The guys have really helped me out, the senior guys especially.
``I didn't think I would get a shot this year but it's been great to get the opportunity.
``If footy has taught me anything it's that anything is possible.
``Hopefully I can keep it going because I'm loving it.
``(Playing first grade) is something I've always wanted to do ever since I was a kid.''
In those days, things were a lot more relaxed as a youngster just having a go with junior club, the North Curl Curl Knights.
But as he's progressed through the ranks and the matches have become more serious, Mauro has matured, both on and off the field.
``I've worked pretty hard on my game, doing little things with all the coaches,'' he said.
Sea Eagles officials have always thought highly of the youngster ever since he joined the club in the Harold Matthews team as a 16-year-old.
It's why they were quick to tie the local junior to a new two-year deal as part of the full-time first grade squad.
``It's a weight off my shoulders to have my future sorted,'' Mauro said.
``It means a lot playing in first grade being a local kid and Manly supporter.
``I'm really happy about it and looking forward to getting a full pre-season under my belt.
``I've got things I want to improve on for next year.''
John Greco
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2007/09/18/6451_sports.html
18Sep07
HE attends church every weekend, used to hang billboards part-time for extra cash and grew up dreaming of playing first grade for the Sea Eagles.
Manly forward Vic Mauro never thought things would fall into place so soon.
Mauro, who started 2007 as captain of the club's Jersey Flegg side, has completed a stunning rise to first grade footballer over the past month.
The highlight is without doubt his appearance off the bench in the club's historic home semi-final against the Rabbitohs.
``It's all happened pretty quick - a month ago I was playing Premier League,'' Mauro said.
``It's been fantastic, a nice surprise. The guys have really helped me out, the senior guys especially.
``I didn't think I would get a shot this year but it's been great to get the opportunity.
``If footy has taught me anything it's that anything is possible.
``Hopefully I can keep it going because I'm loving it.
``(Playing first grade) is something I've always wanted to do ever since I was a kid.''
In those days, things were a lot more relaxed as a youngster just having a go with junior club, the North Curl Curl Knights.
But as he's progressed through the ranks and the matches have become more serious, Mauro has matured, both on and off the field.
``I've worked pretty hard on my game, doing little things with all the coaches,'' he said.
Sea Eagles officials have always thought highly of the youngster ever since he joined the club in the Harold Matthews team as a 16-year-old.
It's why they were quick to tie the local junior to a new two-year deal as part of the full-time first grade squad.
``It's a weight off my shoulders to have my future sorted,'' Mauro said.
``It means a lot playing in first grade being a local kid and Manly supporter.
``I'm really happy about it and looking forward to getting a full pre-season under my belt.
``I've got things I want to improve on for next year.''
no wonder we've been shining this season ;-)
