Two men with a combined association of close to 100 years with Manly rugby were honoured with life membership at the club’s annual general meeting.

Premiership winning player and coach Ian Miller and longstanding board member, administrator and volunteer Rob Forsyth became life members 59 and 60 respectively after their nominations were unanimously endorsed by AGM attendees.

Neither Ian or Rob knew they were receiving life memberships and were typically humble in their acceptance speeches.

Ian – known to all and sundry as “Puss” – started at Manly as a teenager almost half a century ago.

He would go on to establish a wonderful playing career, winning three consecutive premierships in three different grades before turning to coaching.

“Forty-seven years ago (former coach and life member) Barry Taylor said to me ‘do you want to come and play Colts for Manly?’” he said

“We played, we coached, we managed, we’ve helped out and we’re always available, and it’s just been such a wonderful part of my life.

“It’s been the greatest thing that’s ever happened and this is a huge honour to receive this award.

“Thank-you so much for this.”

Rob’s association with the club dates back more than three decades.

His extensive service spans coaching, refereeing, administration, sponsorship and leadership, reflecting unwavering commitment to the club’s success.

He said: “The club’s done an awful lot more for me than I have done for the club.

“There’s a lot of people who do a lot of things and we’re all part of it

“The club is part of the fabric of Manly and the thing that holds us together and I’ve enjoyed every day of my involvement.

“Thank-you…this is very much appreciated.”

Congratulations to both men.

Rob Forsyth – Life Member

Career & Contribution Highlights:

• Coach – Raiders Rugby Club: Over 10 years of coaching service.
  • Referee Level Two: Over 10 years, primarily in junior and sub-district rugby.
  • Director – Manly Rugby Union Football Club: Six years on the board.
  • Game Day Operations – Manly Rugby FC: Over 30 years of continuous volunteer support.
  • Major Sponsor: Supported Manly Rugby while serving as Regional Vice President at Sophos Computer Security (2001–2007).
  • Coach & Referee – SCECGS Redlands Rugby: 1992–2000.
  • Director – World Schoolboys Rugby Tens: 1995–2000.
  • Chairman & Board Member – Manly Rugby Foundation: 2013–2025, providing strategic leadership and fundraising oversightIan Miller – Life Member

  Career & Contribution Highlights:

  • 1978–1980: Joined Manly Rugby Colts at the invitation of Barry Taylor; appeared in two Grand Finals over three seasons.
  • 1981–1988: Played 84 grade games for Manly, including 23 in 1st Grade (records for 1987–1988 under review).
  • Achieved a unique sequence of Grand Final Premierships:
  • 1981 – 3rd Grade
  • 1982 – 2nd Grade
  • 1983 – 1st Grade
  • Represented Sydney, NSW B, and the NSW Waratahs in 1984.
  • Coached and assisted across grades through the late 1980s, including Co-Captain Coach of 4th Grade in 1988.

  *Coaching & Management*

• 1990s: Assisted with club fundraising initiatives.
  • 1999–2003: Coached for five seasons, including one with 1st Grade and multiple with 2nd Grade.
  • Led 2nd Grade to a Premiership in 2000.
  • Coached Manly Roos U18 for two seasons, developing future stars including Harry Bergelin, Brenden Hartmann, John Wunder, John Baranyi, Villi Vaka, and Sullivan Jones.
  • Served as Manager for:
  • 2nd Grade (2 seasons) under Steve Talbot
  • 1st Grade (3 seasons) under Brian MelroseOngoing Involvement
  • Joined the Manly Rugby Union Board in 2017.
  • Remains an active supporter, attending matches and club events year-round.