PHIL BLAKE

Halfback 1982-1986

Manly junior who burst onto the League scene as an 18 year old halfback in 1982. Blake was a brilliant prospect, possessing a great chip kick with great anticipation and positional play and was unlucky not to tour with the Kangaroos that year.

He was a try scorer in Manly's grand final loss in 1982 and Dally M Rookie of the Year. In 1983, he established a club record 27 tries for the season. In all. he played in 90 matches for the Sea Eagles, scoring 250 points.

He played for Warrington in England in 1985/86 and went to Souths in 1987 before having stints at Norths, Canberra, St George and the Warriors.

He returned to Manly at the beginning of 1998 and trained with the club pre-season before announcing his retirement.

[W&H 2002, pp. 42-43.]