To be a Manly fan is to be a Steve Menzies fan. It's as simple as that.
Anyone with maroon and white in their blood and the Mighty Eagles in their hearts would agree the man known as 'Beaver' is one of the club's finest servants.
Beaver scored more tries than any forward in the history of the game and played more first grade football than anyone except Terry Lamb.
For Manly, he was the quintessential talisman. He was there through the entire roller-coaster ride of the modern era - dominating the competition in the mid-90s, the Super League war, the Northern Eagles disaster, the return to Brookie and finally, the 40-0 triumph over Melbourne in the 2008 grand final.
When Immortal Bob Fulton says you are the club's finest ever servant, you're doing something right.
Beaver is something that many cynics believe just doesn't exist - a true-blue, born-and-bred Manly junior.
Born in Manly. Played junior footy for Harbord United. Went to Narrabeen High. And finally on to represent his district, state and country.
Beaver made his first grade debut in 1993 but rose to prominence in 1994, when he formed an amazing combination with pivot Cliff Lyons.
Beaver scored 16 tries that season and was named Dally M Rookie of the Year and second rower of the year.
His exploits were rewarded with a Kangaroo tour and his Test debut.
In 1995 Beaver was the first forward in half a century to top the try-scoring list and made his Origin debut for NSW.
After Manly were robbed in the grand final, Beaver was a linchpin of the 1995 World Cup-winning squad, scoring six tries in the tournament.
In 1996 a premiership came when Manly made St George look stupid in the grand final - the following season came Manly's lowest moment - a last-gasp grand final loss to a Newcastle team whose entire backline was on some sort of drug.
That season, 1997, was the only season that featured separate comps after the Super League breakaway.
It also ushered in some dark times for the Eagles, culminating with the decision to merge with hated rival North Sydney for the 2000 season.
The marriage of convenience - known as the Northern Eagles - was a disaster and was over in 2002. Games were split between Brookvale Oval and Gosford, where the locals turned their backs on the transplanted team.
Once Manly returned to Brookie as the Sea Eagles, things were sweet - the team wasn't winning much, but everyone was happy. And Beaver stood firm - the likes of the Parrascum and the Roosters tried to poach him, but Beaver knew his destiny rested with the maroon and white.
Finally, in 2007, it looked like Manly had a team to contend for the premiership, but it ended in tears after a 34-8 defeat against Melbourne (who were a good deal over the salary cap, as history would show).
Rumours swirled that Beaver was going to retire, but he signed a one-year deal for 2008.
One more chance at glory.
Manly finished equal on points with the Storm and Cronulla atop the table and waltzed through the finals to reach the grand final ... against Melbourne.
Hollywood would never dare pen such a tale: a club legend with a final opportunity to go out a winner, against none other than the team that flogged his a season earlier.
The result? 40-0. The biggest grand final margin in victory. Manly's seventh premiership. A drunken Joel Ritchie starting a riot of joy.
The best part? With the game decided, Beaver went back on for one last run - one last stint in his beloved Manly jersey. The premiership was headed to the northern beaches, the fans were already partying.
The reception was huge - but it was nothing compared to the roar when Beaver scored the final try of his amazing Manly career with his first touch after running back on.
It was PERFECT. One of those special moments where you'd wish time would just stand still.
Manly's favourite son, scoring in his last match to cap the club's finest hour.
And no-one could begrudge Beaver such a fairytale finish - not only was he a one-club man and an awesome footballer, but he had kept his (sizeable) nose squeaky clean in an era of sex scandals, salary cap rorts, drug scandals and general atrocities.
Beaver has gone on to play in the English Super League, but in my heart, my memory, he will always be scouting on the edge of the ruck or smashing someone in defence in maroon and white.
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