Former Manly elite pathways manager Kristie Fulton has opened up on her sudden exit from the Sea Eagles, revealing her “great pride” in seeing the club’s junior program develop under her watch.
Fulton was dismissed by the Sea Eagles last week despite her family’s long association with the club, which dates back to the 1960s and the playing career of her late father, Bob.
Fulton’s dismissal came months after she reportedly raised concerns about the pride jersey that went on to derail the club’s season.
In a statement released by the club on Wednesday, Fulton reflected on her time with the Sea Eagles, where her brother Scott remains employed as head of recruitment and nephew Zac is contracted as a player.
“I was brought into the club to help execute a vision for a strong and thriving pathways,” Kristie Fulton said.
“There are currently 16 players within the Manly Sea Eagles NRL squad who have come from the Manly Sea Eagles junior system, most of whom graduated from the program I managed.
“I take great pride in supporting the players and their families and I look forward to seeing many more Manly pathways players achieve their dream of playing in the NRL in years to come.”
In being shown the door by the Sea Eagles, Fulton became the latest casualty of the pride jersey saga that divided and thwarted the club.
Citing their cultural beliefs, seven Sea Eagles players chose to miss a must-win game against the Sydney Roosters rather than wear the jersey, designed in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Even once they returned following the loss the Sea Eagles failed to win again in 2022.
Coach Des Hasler was sacked in the aftermath of the losing streak, with rehabilitation coach Cameron Ferguson and head of performance Donny Singe following him out the door in the two weeks that followed.
The Sea Eagles are expected to announce Anthony Seibold as Hasler’s successor imminently and have been linked to premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan, who is poised to come on board as an assistant.
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