By Casey O'Connor
Sea Eagles fans and rugby league fans in general will be saddened to hear that one of the greats, Graham ‘Wombat’ Eadie; and a Manly legend is not in the best of health and down on his luck.
Last Friday a Sportsman’s lunch and benefit day was held for the much loved Manly great and life member at the Billinudgel Hotel on the Northern Coast of NSW.
At 65, Wombat is a true Sea Eagles legend. Arguably the greatest fullback to play for Manly; he remains as the club’s greatest point scorer (197 points) and won four premierships in the 70’s (1972, 1973, 1976, and 1978).
The big crowd at the Billinudgel Hotel were joined by some of Manly’s other favourite sons including Steve Mortimer, Jamie Lyon and Steve Menzies.
The Billinudgel luncheon is the first of several fundraising events to support Eadie and his wife. Manly’s Godfather, Ken Arthurson, former coach Frank Stanton and former Test forward John “Pogo” Morgan are firmly in Wombat’s corner along with members of the Men of League.
It seems only fitting that Arthurson, who signed Eadie as an unknown 18-year-old from Woy Woy, and Stanton, his coach in two premierships (1976 and 1978), remain solidly behind Eadie almost 50 years after he made his debut for the club.
It is an example of the spirit of the Sea Eagles club is famous for. In times of trouble, they stick and that is the situation with Eadie.
Frank Stanton has been appointed to control and disperse all funds raised for Eadie to make his life more comfortable and an account has been set up should fans wish to make a donation. Graham Eadie Account Donations; NAB Bank, Pacific Fair; BSB: 084917; Account Number: 942347809.
Other events which have been arranged to support Eadie who now lives on the Gold Coast include a luncheon at the Kirra Beach Hotel on May 17 and a reunion of the Queensland Golden Eagles at Burleigh Bears Leagues Club on 23 August.
