Manly Sea Eagles stun with radical new emblem reveal ahead of 2024
How will fans receive the new Manly Sea Eagles logo?
Bold, brave, ambitious, modern. That's how Manly CEO Tony Mestrov describes one of the biggest changes in the NRL club's 76-year history – a futuristic new emblem designed to drag the club into the 21st century ahead of a historic year for rugby league.
Gone from the players' left chest is the traditional emblem of a sea eagle with wings spread wide, replaced by an aggressive looking eagle's head. It's a big departure from all previous emblems adopted by the club since its inception in 1947.
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Manly originally chose a sea eagle as its emblem in recognition of the bird of prey along the Sydney coastline. "We wanted to modernise the emblem and jersey, not for the sake of change but to show we are an ambitious, go-ahead club with big plans for the future," Mestrov told Yahoo Sport Australia.
"Manly will be part of history next year when we play the first premiership game in the United States, so this is the perfect time to adopt something bold, brave and modern.
"This is something we did in consultation with our members' council, fans, players, sponsors and all key stakeholders and I can tell you there was overwhelming support for the changes and I thank them for being part of this process. The (logo) design is inspired by our rich legacy, paying respect to our past emblems while strongly embodying the resilience this club represents.
"Our goal was to craft a design that honours the past while we forge towards a great future, and this new logo encompasses all of this and more. I can't wait to see the players run out in these new strips. It's an exciting time for the Sea Eagles."
A New Era has begun... #GoManly pic.twitter.com/gzCDJfis0I
— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) October 16, 2023
Manly supporter praises emblem change
Deb Kasmar, a passionate Manly fan since the early 70s and a season ticket holder for 28 years, said: "The current emblem I think was well over 20 years old so why not have a change?
"I like it. I think we needed a change. You won't get everyone on board as some don't like change, but I think the majority will be in favour of it."
The new logo will be worn for the first time when Manly helps launch the NRL's drive into America through the historic season-opener double header in Las Vegas next March.
The Sea Eagles will take on South Sydney and Brisbane will play the Roosters in the first official premiership matches held outside of Australia or New Zealand.
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