Another Eagle Flies
THE Sea Eagles have been rocked by the news that their recruitment guru Noel Crusher Cleal is to become the latest high profile official to quit the club and join the Bulldogs.
The Manly Daily has been told Cleal informed other Sea Eagles coaching staff of his decision when they arrived at the clubs Narrabeen headquarters on Friday morning.
Apparently they were stunned when told of his decision.
It means Cleal will continue his successful association with Des Hasler when the Sea Eagles coach moves to Belmore in 2013.
Cleal will be joining Manlys outgoing coaching and development manager Dave Warwick at the Bulldogs after it was revealed he was also joining the club.
His departure is a huge blow for the Sea Eagles as he is regarded as the best talent spotter in the NRL.
It is believed the Sea Eagles made a concerted effort to keep him at the club next year.
The proof of Cleals influence at Manly can been seen by looking at the squad that won this years grand final.
Crusher was involved in luring the likes of Jamie Lyon, Michael Robertson, Steve Matai, Will Hopoate, Daly Cherry-Evans, Matt Ballin, Joe Galuvao, Shane Rodney, Tony Williams, Darcy Lussick and George Rose to the club.
Cleal joined the Sea Eagles in 2004 from the Parramatta Eels with rugby league immortal Bob Fulton, the man who pushed the club to sign him up. His departure follows the resignations of Warwick, events and game day operations manager Alicia Keogh and digital media manager Jess Ivers.
Cleal could not be contacted by The Manly Daily on Friday.
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