I'd play again for $1: Menzies

Steve Menzies retired Manly great at Manly Beach,Manly.Picture Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

LOOK who is back in Manly - and ready to wear the famous maroon and white again.

After five years playing in England and France, the great Steve 'Beaver' Menzies - who left Manly in such glorious style after the 2008 grand final - has resettled back on Sydney's northern beaches.

But has he actually retired?

Menzies, who turns 40 next month, revealed he would play again for Manly next season on a $1 contract if asked.

"A dollar's a dollar, so you've got to take the cash,'' he said. ''I think I would, just to do it.

"I'm getting a bit old and slow but if something happens and Manly asked me, how could I refuse?

"I'd have to sign it and see what happens. That would be good but also scary at the same time.

"If something happened and they said: 'look, you're the last resort - we need you' then for Manly I would do that for sure.

"If the scenario was right and it was needed by the club then I'd help them out.''

The Daily Telegraph caught up with Menzies this week to discuss the past, the future and who are the greatest players he confronted and played alongside.

Grand Final 2008, Manly Sea Eagles skipper Steve Menzies. Source: News Limited

THE LEGACY

Menzies played a staggering 529 games for Manly, Australia in tour matches, Kangaroo Tests, City Origin, NSW, Northern Eagles, Bradford, Catalans and the Exiles.

''I can't complain - I've had a good run,'' he said.

''To grow up a Manly supporter and play for them for years and years, to make rugby league your career, to go overseas and experience the things I have with my family … I have been so lucky.

''To be able to play a game that is such a passionate sport around here … some of the great players I have got to play with. The combination with Cliffy Lyons kickstarted my career.

''There have been sacrifices but I just ran out there and played footy.

''But when the footy starts again and everyone is training and playing and I am sitting there with my shovel, digging trenches and things like that, then it will sink in that I have retired.''

Steve Menzies with wife Suyin after the 2008 NRL Grand Final. Source: News Limited

TH E FUTURE

He will start his life once again in the Manly area and be employed as a Sea Eagles ambassador.

''It will be great to be back down with the boys and be involved in different aspects of the business. I will be doing things game day and drumming up support for the Silvertails,'' he said.

''I also have a few other business interests that will be happening soon.

''I have got plenty of things to do - I was hoping to just come back and play golf but work is getting in the way!''

Asked would he one-day coach, Menzies said: "Just because you played for a long time doesn't mean you would be a good coach.

''I think I have a few things to offer but maybe not as a head coach. A lot more goes into coaching than just turning up and giving the boys a game plan.''

Steve Menzies salutes the loyal crowd. Source: News Limited

THE MEMORY

He achieved everything after debuting for Manly as a 19-year-old on June 26, 1993.

But one memory stands above the rest - his final game for Manly, a famous 40-0 grand final win over Melbourne.

''Definitely my last memory at Manly is my greatest,'' he said.

''Winning the 2008 grand final by 40-0. The way I came on and scored a late try, farewelling the club I have loved since I was five-years old when I used to go down to Brookvale Oval.

''I couldn't ask for much more. To leave the club that way, it was as good as it gets.

''We also won a grand final in 1996 with a great bunch of guys. It was a quality team. We played three grand finals in a row.''

Manly legend Cliff Lyons at Cromer Park. Source: News Limited

GREATEST TEAM-MATE

''Cliff Lyons. He was just so naturally talented. He never once sold me a dump,'' he said.

''We never organised things. I have run off some great players but Cliffy would always find me. But if an opponent read it and it wasn't on, Cliffy wouldn't pass it to me. He was as good as it gets.''

Andrew Johns gets pass away. Source: News Limited

GREATEST OPPONENT

''Andrew Johns. Just such a competitor. He was so good,'' he said.

''He could do everything in rugby league - he could run, kick, step, pass, tackle, pop a pass, control the game. I have seen some things in Origin camps - you know why he is so good. He was unbelievable.''

Former Manly captain Geoff Toovey (L) and coach Bob Fulton. Source: News Limited

TOUGHEST OPPONENT

''Geoff Toovey, pound for pound, was the toughest player I have ever seen,'' he said. ''Every week the big blokes would pick him out and he would pick them up and dump them.

''He would get bashed and knocked around. He was so tough.''

Steve Menzies beats the grasping tackle of Karmichael Hunt to score. Source: News Limited

THE CULTURE

Since he left Manly has made two grand finals, won one, saw coach Des Hasler quit, have several CEOs come and go and a board that is constantly split.

''It's been a rocky road,'' Menzies said. ''It's been tough but it really has been a golden era for Manly. The grand finals they have played, the grand finals they have won.

''The past five, six, seven years has been such a good period. It's been unbelievable for the club.

'''Tooves' as a player was the toughest guy I played with or against so his coaching success doesn't surprise me. He is so passionate. He know how to convey his messages through that passion.''

St Helens James Roby is tackled by Steve Menzies. Source: AAP

THE FRENCH

Menzies played 71 games in France between 2011 and 2013.

''You want my answer in French or English?'' Menzies said. ''I don't have that much French actually. It was just a great experience. England was also great, two years at Bradford.

''Then I got a call from (now Roosters coach) Trent Robinson and he asked whether I would like to go Catalans.

''Two weeks later the deal was done and off we went. It is such a great part of the world. My daughter is five and she is pretty much fluent in French.

''It was great to be immersed in that culture and the people we met. Everything closes from 12 til 2pm - they have their siesta. None of the shops are open. They work just to live. They don't work to conquer the world. Some of the things you see - you scratch your head, only in France.''

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