John Chammas
They've only been with the club a short time, but new recruits David Gower and Tom Symonds didn't take long to see that club culture is the key to the Sea Eagles' success.
They've only been with the club a short time, but new recruits David Gower and Tom Symonds didn't take long to see that club culture is the key to the Sea Eagles' success.
Since joining the club in 2013, former Dragon and Tigers forward Gower has embraced the way of life in Manly and has played a part in the victories over Brisbane and most recently Newcastle.
The man they call ‘Gobbler’ admits the switch from Wollongong to the Northern Beaches has been a pleasant one, not simply because of the scenery but because of the welcoming attitude of his new teammates.
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| David Gower takes the ball up in the win against the Newcastle Knights. Photo: Grant Trouville - nrlphotos.com |
“When you look at the core group of players that have been here for a long time, it’s quite easy to see there’s a great bunch of senior players and they make the transition for new players, or younger players very easy.
"Just the professionalism of the whole club in general, from the front office to the training staff and the boys. You can just see why it’s been such a successful club.”
Symonds agrees, saying the Sea Eagles' strong culture and team dynamic are great examples of success breeding success.
Symonds was forced out of the Sydney Roosters due to big off season recruitments in Sonny Bill Williams, James Maloney, Michael Jennings and Luke 0’Donnell.
It wasn’t an easy choice to leave his childhood hometown to come and live in Manly. Symonds played all his junior football with the Roosters but admitted moving to the Sea Eagles has been a very interesting transition and one that will further his career.
"Manly's got a lot of older, experienced guys here," the former Rooster said.
"They know how to win and they've built a successful club over the last few years, whereas the Roosters have got a young squad and are sort of developing that under a new coach.
"In terms of differences everything's a bit more established and set up around here."
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| Tom Symonds carrying the ball for his new club. Photo: Robb Cox - nrlphotos.com |
Injuries to Jason King and Glenn Stewart have given Gower an early opportunity to impress his new coach.
“Personally, if I can lock in a spot in the 17 that would be great but more importantly just doing my job for the team and for Tooves and Brad (Arthur) and the staff.”
Gower admits his first couple of appearances for Manly haven't been his best but he's determined to iron out the wrinkles this week.
"I've got a few areas to improve on. I've got hold the ball I think," he laughed. "There's parts of my game that are going alright and parts I need to improve on.
"That's footy: You're always improving and you're always learning. So I've got a few little things to tighten up."
