Ray Ritchie

Representing NSW in 1957 proved to be a prelude for World Cup selection for Manly's Ray Ritchie. A fine winger who played in Manly's grand final team beaten by St George in 1957, Ritchie represented Australia in the historic World Cup victory that year. While Ritchie’s career was cut short in 1960 because of injury, he had a long career with the club as a lower grade coach before taking over as first grade coach in 1981. Ritchie had his critics that year, but this is harsh when looking at Manly’s 1982 record - winning the mid-week KB Cup and runners-up in the grand final to club champions P’matta. Ritchie stood down for the 1983 season, not to make way for the return of Bob Fulton as widely thought, but for family reasons.