With a new two-year deal behind him, Zac Fulton is determined to capitalise on every opportunity that comes his way in season 2023.
The 21-year-old lock/second-rower made a stunning NRL debut against the Sydney Roosters at 4 Pines Park last July after having progressed through the successful Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Pathways Academy.
Fulton showed what is capable of at NRL level through his seven runs for 45 metres in between producing some bone-crunching tackles in an impressive 28 minutes.
He also didn't back down from some friendly fire with Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, much to the delight of the Manly faithful.
The grandson of Manly ‘Immortal’, Bob Fulton, Zac became the third generation of the Fulton family to play first grade at the same club after his father, Scott, and uncle, Brett, played for the Sea Eagles. Scott is also the Club's Recruitment Manager.
Fulton was rewarded for his efforts in 2022 by claiming the club’s Jake Trbojevic Rising Star award and the Jersey Flegg Best and Fairest award.
An old-fashioned style of player, Fulton is a hard-working, driven and aggressive lock with a willingness to succeed, yet off the field is a laid-back character who enjoys a laugh.
Although happy with his ‘breakout’ season, Fulton is out to impress new Head Coach Anthony Seibold as he looks to crack into a very strong Manly pack.
It all starts with showing people what you’ve got
Zac Fulton
“I’ve just got to keep working hard, bide my time, and just put my best foot forward."
Seibold said Fulton is a straight shooter when it comes to training.
"Zac is a hard worker who is right at the beginning of his career,'' Seibold said.
"There's no fuss about him. You know what you are going to get every single day he turns up to training. What we want to see from Zac is continual growth and improvement in his game."
Fulton said there was a real air of excitement at pre-season training under Seibold.
“It’s been a really different year from last year,’’ Fulton said.
“I feel like the new coaching staff are very good at individual development, like just working on our game, giving players tips on what we can improve on in attack and defence, to just having a chat to us one on one.”
Fulton added the introduction of various group activities from Seibold was creating a strong foundation of togetherness amongst new and established players.
“Our weekly social activity group is very helpful in bringing together the boys that may not know each other quite as well, or for the younger boys that are new to the squad,’’ Fulton said.
“Anthony is all about togetherness. We're becoming a real solid team."
That sense of team camaraderie was there to see when the NRL squad was put through an intense ‘Mission Readiness Exercise' run prior to Christmas by ex-serving Special Forces veterans working for Mission Ready Group.
“I told one of the instructors that I will never take for granted what they do ever again,’’ Fulton quipped.
“Those three days were one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done.
“Just being sleep deprived, just constantly moving, just sore...everything.
“It was more mentally taxing but physically, it was a challenge as well. Just trying to stay alert. It was an experience.”
