The Manly Sea Eagles produced a historical moment tonight in their 20-10 loss to Sydney Roosters when replacement forward Zac Fulton took the field.

The name Fulton has been synonymous with Manly for over fifty years thanks to the legendary Bob Fulton who was named one of the first Immortals of the game back in 1982. Fulton captained Manly to a Grand Final victory in 1976, and coached the team to premiership success in 1987 and 1996. Fulton also coached the Australian Kangaroos on successful tours of Great Britain and France in 1990 and 1994.

Fulton’s sons Scott and Brett played first grade for Manly in the 1990s. Brett played in the club’s stunning 61-0 victory over St George at Brookvale Oval in 1994. Both now work at the club in administrative capacities.

Zac Fulton showed has the tenacity of his family with a strong defensive effort in a tough lot for the Sea Eagles.

Zac’s participation made him the first third generation player to play for the same club. The family dynasties of Mullane and Bradstreet and King have echoed across the pages of rugby league history for decades, but none have been centred on a single club as the Fultons have been.

Manly are starting to look less likely to make the finals this year, but if the efforts of Zac Fulton are any indication, the club is in good hands for the future, while respecting their history.