Noel Cleal

Powerhouse centre/second row forward, originally from Warialda, first came to prominence playing on the wing for Northern Division against Great Britain in 1979. With his much-travelled, look-alike brother Les, Noel Cleal had already captain-coached Wondai to a premiership in Queensland, represented Wide Bay and then NSW Country while playing for Scone. ‘Crusher’ Cleal came to Easts from Sawtell in 1980 and was a centre in the club’s grand final loss to Canterbury. He later followed coach Bob Fulton to Manly in 1983, after Fulton had moved him to the second row. Following another grand final loss (against P’matta) his rep career took off in the mid-1980s. Cleal represented NSW in 1984 and was runner-up in that year's Rothmans Medal competition. He made his Test debut against NZ the following year and after a stint with Widens (1985-86) played in three Tests against Papua New Guinea and Great Britain on the 1986 Kangaroo tour before breaking his arm and returning home. While not as effective in defence, Cleal was given latitude by his coaches to use his strength and size in attack. He played in Manly's grand final success in 1987 before seeing out the remainder of his career with English club Hull. Cleal was the English club's choice as replacement coach in 1990 but despite winning the British premiership trophy in 1991, he was sacked when the club faltered the following year. Returning to Australia, Cleal was snapped up by P’matta as a junior development and recruitment officer. In 2004 he took on a similar role with Manly – a season which saw his son Kane make his first grade debut with the club.