It’s not the way Harry Bergelin wanted to end his stellar career but the flame-haired breakaway with the insatiable appetite for work has called it quits after suffering a serious injury.
Playing third grade against the Rats last month, Harry tore his hamstring so badly it required surgery to repair the damage.
The rehab is six months at least and, at 31, the curtain has come down for one of the club’s finest.
“I was going for a pilfer and somebody squished me and my foot got stuck and the hamstring gave way,” Harry explained.
“I was trying to do things I thought I could still do and probably wasn’t stretching or preparing like I would normally.
“I don’t want to do this (injury rehab) again. It’s not worth it with work and everything else I’ve got on, so that looks like the end.”
Representing one of Manly rugby’s famous families, Harry started in grade in 2011 and debuted in first grade the same year.
He played 182 games for the club – 151 of those in the Shute Shield – and scored 65 tries.
“I’m still coming to terms with it. It’s been a big part of my life and a big part of our family,” Harry said.
“I’m always going to be a fan of Manly rugby. I was on the couch on Saturday screaming them home (against Eastwood).
“I was so excited for them. That will always be me. I will be there watching and supporting and being part of the club in some way.”
Harry played in three losing grand final sides – Colts, third grade and first grade in 2015 – and joked he may be a bad omen.
But those who coached him, played alongside him or watched from the sidelines know differently.
Harry never gave anything less than 100 per cent, regularly appearing at the breakdown first to secure possession for his team or putting on a hit in defence.
He will go down as one of the club greats.
“I loved every minute of it. I think the best part was meeting a lot of different people who came to the club and becoming good friends with them,” he said.
“And enjoying Saturday nights at the club too much. That was great. Breaking that routine is going to be very challenging.”
Club president Cameron Douglas said: “The Bergelin name is synonymous with Manly rugby and Harry did his family, himself and the club proud every time he pulled on the red and blue.
“You knew exactly what you were going to get with Harry – flat-out intensity in every game.
“He’s the player other players wanted to play with.”