Steve Menzies packs his bag with honour
July 17th 2008 08:46
Beaver will leave the beaches behind for one year
There he goes, tackling to a standstill as per usual.
Bumping and grinding past 16 seasons in the NRL, which has yielded 15 tests and 20 Origins for NSW.
After 338 first grade games for the Manly Sea Eagles, Menzies is yet to lose control in a game that has been drunk with controversy.
Whether it be players going to night clubs in Kings Cross or the Super League rubbing their cash infront of the NRL's superstars, Menzies was never one to get wasted in all the troubles of life itself.
Never one to hit the bathroom sink and throw up, Menzies has always wiped his shoes clean, maintaining a routine that comes with becoming one of the games true good guys.
On the field, he left opponents dehydrated with support play and excellent movement. His aura vibrated throughout the city of Manly and Brookvale oval itself.
Many that have become fond of Rugby League recently will find it hard to believe Menzies is the competitions second highest tryscorer ever with 171 next to his name.
Only the great Ken Irvine leads Beaver with 212.
But those that have had a conversation with him will tell you there is no more humble man playing the game at the moment, or in Manly anyway.
The 35 yr old forward remains a menace to who ever he plays against. While the body ages, his temperment remains as clean as an oral hygentist.
And for Menzies, the man would not have it any other way.
“I'm happy with the way everything's gone (during) my time at Manly I wouldn't give that away for anything.
"I will always love Manly and I will never play against them,".
While he now joins Mark Gasnier in deciding to finish the career in Europe, Menzies has done everything possible to ensure everyone's support.
Menzies has been at the Sea Eagles since, well ever, and only now will he be packing his bags and heading elsewhere.
I personally thought Beaver would have retired by now but this recent move is all about insurance.
After the service he has given to Manly and rugby league in general, Menzies deserves to bust out his guts in England and bath in the contract that will secure his family.
One of leagues true great forwards will bow out in style.
Manly coach Des Hasler is just the echo of the many that will miss the icon that is Beaver Menzies.
"He is a wonderful human being and is value on and off the field. In discussions with Bradford they were always aware of Beaver's iconic standing in the game,".
A champagne toast then to one of the true tough men of league.
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