Manly Sea Eagles reach agreement with Warringah Council to stay at Brookvale Oval

The Manly Sea Eagles will keep Brookvale Oval as their home ground during the 2016 NRL season after reaching an agreement with ground owners Warringah Council on the lease of the famous ground.

Despite record income levels, the indebted Sea Eagles had sought for their rent to be reduced from $375,000 to $220,000 a year – threatening possible relocation if their demands were not met.

The Council, which had highlighted that it costs around $600,000 to maintain the ground and stadium to NRL standards per year, had been reluctant to negotiate.

However, negotiations that will keep the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval were completed on Monday and agreed at meeting of Warringah Council last night (Tuesday 16th February).

Under the agreement, the terms of which were not released, Sea Eagles are understood to be able to accrue income from the sale of naming rights to the ground.

Following the announcement of the deal, Manly Chief Executive Joe Kelly told AAP “it was absolutely essential that we had immediate certainty for our members, sponsors, and army of fans prior to the looming kick-off of the 2016 NRL season against the Bulldogs on Friday 4thMarch.”

Kelly went on to claim “we never contemplated going away from Brookvale Oval after 70 years at the ‘Fortress’.”

Warringah Mayor Michael Regan was also pleased with the agreement, adding "I couldn't be happier. This is a win, win, win - for rate payers, fans and the mighty Sea Eagles.”

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