Corey Waddell walked through the doors at 4 Pines Park and instantly felt the love, with his teammates stoked to have one of their own return home to Brookvale.
Three years after leaving the Sea Eagles to join the Bulldogs, the 27-year-old was back on the Northern Beaches with exactly the reception he hoped to receive – a sign that while plenty has changed at Manly, one crucial aspect had remained.
The club has long been known for its 'us against the world' mentality, the dislike from rival fans galvanising the squad in their bid for an NRL premiership.
Waddell knows such a mindset is crucial for success and he's confident the Sea Eagles have the perfect foundation for a finals run.
"We're a really tight bunch of mates," Waddell told NRL.com. "Off the field we all like each other's company, we like hanging out with each other and we push each other to be our best.
"We know out on the paddock when we're hard on each other, it comes from a good place and we all push each other to do our job to the best of our ability.
"That comes from the off-field connection we've built in the off-season by hanging out with each other, enjoying each other's company and becoming mates."
Waddell has impressed in his return to Manly, appearing in all nine matches to open the season and starting in the past four.
I'll just be ready for anything: Corey Waddell
He will again line up on the edge for Thursday night's clash with the Dolphins in Brisbane, where the Sea Eagles will look to rebound from a shock loss to the Raiders.
Waddell is confident he's returned to Manly a better player than when he left, having grown on and off the field while at the Bulldogs.
While he's eager to retain a starting spot, the Sea Eagles have plenty of competition in the back row. Ben Trbojevic is back from injury this weekend, with Haumole Olakau’atu set to return from a two-game suspension for Magic Round next week.
No matter the role, Waddell is confident he has plenty to add on and off the field.
"I've learnt so much throughout my career," he said. "During my time at the Bulldogs I learnt a lot, in my time here before I learnt a lot too.
"Talking to Seibs before signing here was really motivating for me. I'm really hungry this year to have a good year, I knew the squad we have here was pretty solid and I knew I could add something to it.
"My goal was to add what I do on the field to the team, I think I've done that. My goal was to make round one, to be part of it and now to be starting is really special. I want to keep building on that and keep winning more games."
Match: Dolphins v Sea Eagles
Round 10 -
home Team
Dolphins
4th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
9th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Waddell has settled back into life on the Northern Beaches nicely, having moved to Narrabeen and recently adopted a puppy.
He lives a couple of streets away from his sister, who happens to be engaged to teammate Jake Trbojevic, a further sign of the family values at the club.
Waddell signed a one-year deal with the Sea Eagles for the 2024 season and given how well he's settled in, he's eager to extend his time with the club.
"I haven't really looked beyond this year," he said. "Hopefully I get something secured pretty early. I love being here and I've loved coming back here, I have family ties in this club.
"I've loved playing under Seibs, I've learnt a lot from him, he's taught me things I haven't learnt before, that's been really good. I'd love to stay here and get something sorted in the coming weeks and just want to focus on my footy."
