Footy star Paul Bryan made his debut for the Manly Sea Eagles last weekend, becoming player number 667 in the NRL club’s history dating back to 1947.

Turns out Bryan was actually player 666, with a decision made not to use the infamous number that’s often associated with the Antichrist.

Who knew the Sea Eagles had a spiritual side?

Given their winless start to the 2026 NRL season – and coach Anthony Seibold facing a clouded future – maybe Manly need some divine intervention.

Rival NRL clubs haven’t worried about the so-called ‘number of the beast’ derived from the Book of Revelation.

Utility Shane Muspratt achieved the ‘feat’ of being listed as player 666 at Parramatta in 2004, with forward Nate Myles seemingly Canterbury’s unlucky star the following season.

Footy star Paul Bryan (pictured left, with fellow debutant Brandon Wakeham) made his debut for the Manly Sea Eagles last weekend, becoming player number 667 in the NRL club’s history 

Turns out Bryan (pictured, middle) was actually player 666 – with a decision made not to use the infamous number associated with the Antichrist

Given Myles went on to play 234 career first-grade games as well as represent Queensland at Origin level and star in nine Tests for Australia, he was anything but cursed.

According to Cosmopolitan, when it comes to astrology and numerology, the number 666 isn’t a bad thing.

It also has nothing to do with evil, doom or gloom, as it is actually deemed an ‘angel number’.

Chinese culture also lauds the number 666, with it often used to signify that ‘everything goes smoothly,’ making it popular for business or personal life success.

In cricket, many Aussie sports fans will be aware of 87 being perceived as the ‘devil’s number’ for batters. 

This is due to the fact it is 13 runs short of a century.

The myth was popularised by legendary all-rounder Keith Miller, who as a child believed he saw Sir Don Bradman dismissed for 87 for NSW in a Sheffield Shield match at the MCG in 1929.

Years later Miller discovered Bradman was actually bowled for 89, but the number remains a cricket taboo to this day.