Parcell, who attended the club's midweek media launch at Freshwater Life Savers Club – whose colours the footy team adopted when, in 1946, they were told by the NSWRL they and Parramatta would play in the 1947 competition – declared Manly was where he wanted to be. Explosive: Matt Parcell in action for Ipswich in the National State Championship grand final. Credit:Jonathan Carroll "It's awesome to have this opportunity," said Parcell, a product of the Queensland stronghold of Ipswich who studied civil engineering at university. "I only got down a few days before pre-season started [last Monday] and I've been soaking it all in." He comes from a family steeped in league history. His great-grandfather Percy Parcell represented Queensland as a rugged forward, his grandfather Gary represented Australia in eight Tests and alongside Noel Kelly and Dud Beattie formed an all-Ipswich Australian front row from 1959-62, while another relative, Hector Gee, scored twice in the infamous 1932 Battle of Brisbane Test against Great Britain. His father, Steve, captained the Ipswich Jets and played alongside the likes of Allan Langer, Kerrod and Kevin Walters under Tommy Raudonikis in the 1980s.

"It's a big thing," said Parcell of his family ties. "My grandfather is really proud of what I'm doing and I talk to him after a game and he's great. There's never been any pressure on me to play. Actually, his advice has always been to enjoy it, and I do. I'm proud to have that family history, but I'm keen to carve my own path." He'll compete for a position that was vacated when the Sea Eagles moved on Matt Ballin, a club favourite for the past 11 years. While respectful of Ballin's place at Manly, Parcell has adopted the same "looking forward" approach as Barrett to taking over from local hero Geoff Toovey, whose demise sparked an outpouring of anger. "He was a great player, a club legend," said Parcell of Ballin. "I hope to bring my own spin to the position and I guess my running game and speed will come to the fore. "Growing up I followed Danny Buderus and Andrew Johns because I liked their combination at Newcastle. I liked a lot about Buderus, his toughness, competitiveness and I think that's something I can bring to Manly ... a desire to compete for every play and to never give up." Those words would be music to the ears of another new recruit, Nate Myles, who left the Gold Coast to add the starch he remembers Manly packs of old possessing.

"When I came into first grade Manly was a side you never wanted to play in regards to their forward pack," he said. "Their line speed was tremendous and they had players there like Jason King and they played for keeps ... I'd love to emulate what those guys did." While Manly's "godfather", Ken Arthurson, spoke of his love and hope for the club for which he played, coached and then ran, skipper Jamie Lyon reflected on all the recent changes – some painful – and expressed his optimism. "It feels like a new club, which is a bit refreshing," he said. "Everyone is looking forward to the new season." Manly celebrate 70th anniversary Manly marked a major milestone in the club's history by unveiling its 70th anniversary commemorative logo to the media during the week.

It was a proud moment with club legends mingling with members of the current roster as new coach Trent Barrett introduced his coaching staff and players. They will play two trials, the first against Cronulla at Remondis Stadium on February 14 and then the so-called "Harlem Globetrotters" of league, Ipswich — the NRL State Championship winners — at Narrabeen's Pittwater Park on February 20. "Ipswich were one of the best stories of September, and they were our first choice for a trial partner when it became apparent the Roosters would be heading to the UK [for the World Club Challenge]," said CEO Joe Kelly.