Australian · Sydney, Australia · Born 9 August 1973Australian rugby league legend who played 349 games for Manly Sea Eagles, setting club record for most appearances and earning nickname 'Beaver'.
Born in Sydney on 9 August 1973, Steven John Menzies developed his rugby league skills in the junior ranks before making his professional debut with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in 1993. The back-rower's distinctive playing style and appearance earned him the nickname "The Zebra," which became synonymous with his exceptional try-scoring ability from the second row position. Menzies established himself as one of the NRL's most consistent performers during his prime years at Manly, where he spent the majority of his career from 1993 to 2007. His combination of speed, ball-handling skills, and tactical awareness allowed him to exploit defensive gaps with remarkable frequency. The versatile forward represented New South Wales in State of Origin matches and earned selection for Australia, demonstrating his standing among the elite players of his generation. His fitness levels and durability enabled him to maintain high performance standards across multiple seasons. The defining achievement of Menzies' career was his record-breaking try-scoring feat, accumulating 213 tries in NRL competition—a mark that stood as the competition record for forwards for many years. His ability to score from seemingly impossible positions became his trademark, often finishing attacking movements through support play and opportunistic positioning. Beyond individual statistics, Menzies contributed to Manly's success during a competitive era of the NRL, helping establish the club as a consistent finals contender. Menzies' impact on rugby league extends beyond his scoring records, as he redefined expectations for second-row forwards in the modern game. His attacking prowess from the pack influenced how coaches utilized back-rowers in offensive systems, while his longevity demonstrated the value of exceptional conditioning and professionalism. The combination of his try-scoring achievements and distinctive playing style secured his position among the most recognizable players in NRL history, particularly within the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles' rich tradition of talented forwards.
Being Manly Sea Eagles' most capped player with 349 appearances
How They Played
Versatile utility player who could play multiple positions, known for his defensive work rate and ball-playing skills
Lasting Impact
Manly legend known for durability, versatility and loyalty, playing his entire NRL career with one club
Career Honours
- NSWRL/ARL/NRL Premiership 1996 (with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
- NRL Premiership 2008 (with Melbourne Storm, later stripped)
- Super League Grand Final 2009 (with Bradford Bulls)
- State of Origin 1998 (with New South Wales)
- Rugby League World Cup 1995 (with Australia)
- Rugby League World Cup 2000 (with Australia)
- Wally Lewis Medal 2000 (Player of the Series, State of Origin)
- NSWRFL Premiership 1995 (with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
- Dally M Medal 2000 (NRL Player of the Year)
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manly Sea Eagles | 1993–2006 | 349 | 18 | #2 |
| Bradford Bulls | 2007–2008 | 52 | — | — |
| Catalan Dragons | 2009–2010 | 44 | — | — |
 Australia | — | 15 | — | — |
Australian Athletes