If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if footy boots met cricket whites, if Sea Eagles legends dusted off their hand-eye coordination, or if the Northern Beaches decided to throw a proper Australia Day party for a good cause — wonder no more.
This Australia Day, Monday 26 January, the Manly Warringah Waratahs will take on the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in a T20 charity cricket match that promises nostalgia, chaos, laughs, and just enough competitiveness to keep everyone honest.
The match starts at 2:30pm at Manly Oval, and yes — there will be beer, wine and soft drinks available. Even better, every dollar raised on the day will go directly to the The Burdekin Association, our Event Community Partner.
Old Teammates, New Game
The confirmed playing list already reads like a Northern Beaches highlight reel, featuring Cliff Lyons, Steve Menzies, Kieran Foran, and Brad Parker.
The junior Johns boys, Cooper and Jack, are in for the game, as well as Mark Bryant and Jamie Buhrer.
Recently retired Lachlan Croker will also be making his last (un)professional sporting appearance on the hallowed turf of Manly Oval
And yes, for those who grew up in the 1990s, Cliffy and Menzies will be teaming up again — this time without shoulder pads, but hopefully with the same instinctive brilliance that lit up Brookvale all those years ago. It’s not State of Origin, but it might be just as unpredictable.
Mixed Teams, Maximum Fun
In the spirit of charity (and fairness), the teams will be mixed, with Sea Eagles players spread across both sides. Expect some unusual batting orders, creative fielding positions, and at least one moment where someone realises cricket fitness is very different to footy fitness.
A Perfect Community Fit
Matchday Partner Mounties comes on board to help make the day happen, while The Burdekin Association is a perfect fit as Event Community Partner — deeply connected to the Northern Beaches and strongly linked to both clubs through community, youth support and local engagement.
One Name. One Peninsula.
There aren’t many clubs that carry the full Manly Warringah name — and that’s what makes this day special. Two iconic organisations, both representing the entire Northern Beaches, coming together on Australia Day for a cause that matters.
Cricket. Footy. Community. Nostalgia. Cold drinks.
It’s shaping up as a great Manly Warringah day — exactly how Australia Day should be spent.
See you at Manly Oval.
