Steve Menzies to make comeback for Sea Eagles in Auckland 9s

Beeeeeeeaver

It's true. Awesome news. But apparently he had no headgear it's all in transit from France.
Naked beaver

Training should put Steve Menzies in solid form for return to Manly Sea Eagles

Andrew Priestley
Manly Daily
February 11, 2014 12:04PM
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IN RETURNING to the Sea Eagles, Steve Menzies has already beaten one of the greatest challenges he’ll face: community attitudes.

The punishing physical requirements of the game may be significant, but northern beaches personal trainer Luke Slobin predicts Menzies will do well.

“I expect to see him straight back into it,” Mr Slobin said.

“Anyone who has the headspace to go against the majority of opinion, knows they can do it, I think he’s really got something to contribute.”

Several high profile athletes have made a sporting comeback after retiring including Brad Fittler, Geoff Huegill, Mark Occhilupo and Shane Warne.

Eric Grothe Jnr Grothe, who has been out of the game for three years, has signed with the Sharks at the ripe old age of 33.

Mr Slobin runs Chocolate Box Training in Cromer, where his clients range in age from 24 to 49.

He describes himself as a Sea Eagles fan and a “massive” Steve Menzies fan.

“I think it’s fantastic and it’s inspiring for others (that he is returning),” he said.

“We’re constantly told that someone’s too old and people start to believe it.”

Losing fast-twitch muscle fibres and bone density were effects of age that could make returning to top-level sport challenging, Mr Slobin said.

He understands Menzies has maintained his fitness, and so was likely to have avoided these issues.

“He may have had a hiatus, but I don’t believe he’s ever stopped training. The things you lose with age can be maintained through training,” he said.

Menzies, 40, will come out of retirement to play for the Sea Eagles in the inaugural NRL Nines tournament in Auckland this weekend.

He retired last year after 21 years of playing top level rugby league in Australia and the UK.

Can't say I'm overly pleased with this squad. Gift and Choc would excel even more in this brand of footy. I thought with the prize money on offer they'd be out to win it.

On a lighter note, how good will it be for the younger players to get to run around with Beaver. Noone better to show them the Manly attitude!