Manly Sea Eagles: Bob Fulton grandstand, Centre for Excellence open on a win

A field goal by skipper Daly Cherry-Evans scored the Sea Eagles their first win of the season, with the final score 13-12 against the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The game also marked the 250th win for Des Hasler as a head coach.

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Celebrations continued with the official opening of the Sea Eagles' $32.5 million northern grandstand and Centre for excellence.

The grandstand, named after Manly's greatest ever player and rugby league Immortal, Bob Fulton, was opened at half time by the Fulton family.

The Centre for Excellence features a: high performance gym and training centre; medical and sports rehabilitation facilities; administration offices and meeting rooms; multi-purpose community and education area; and facilities for youth and female sports participation.

Manly Sea Eagles chair Scott Penn said the club was grateful to the state and federal governments for their contributions.

"We have worked extremely well together in delivering state of the art facilities, an elite training and playing field, and a magnificent grandstand providing great comfort and amenities for the community of northern Sydney to enjoy for many years to come," he said.

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State MP for Manly James Griffin said the completion of the Centre of Excellence meant local juniors could now be part of an elite program on the northern beaches.

"No longer will they need to travel to fulfil their NRL dreams, with everything they need to make it to the top at their fingertips," he said.

State MP for for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard said the centre would provide benefits across the entire community.

"As a lifelong Sea Eagles supporter, it is fantastic to finally have 21st century facilities for our home games at 4 Pines Park," he said.

"As a local MP and uncle of youngsters who love playing some of their biggest games at Brookie, I am delighted locals will also be able to share in the ever improving facilities."

The NSW Government contributed $20 million towards the project through its Centres of Excellence Programs.

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Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the projects bring one of the most iconic grounds in rugby league into the 21st century.

"This new world-class high-performance facility will be the envy of sporting administrations around the world and ensure the Sea Eagles continue to challenge for NRL premierships," he said.

"It's fantastic to be able to officially open it during the Sea Eagles first NRL home game of the season with some of the most important people in the club's history."

The NSW Government has contributed more than $110 million towards eight Centres of Excellence projects under the NRL Centres of Excellence Program and 2018 NSW Government Centres of Excellence Program.

All Centres of Excellence include dedicated female programs and facilities to improve pathways for women and girls in line with the NSW Government's women in sport strategy, Her Sport Her Way.

Each Centre of Excellence also includes multi-purpose facilities, enabling sporting organisations to expand community programs and better engage with their communities.

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