Ballin is a happy hooker at Eagles

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Berkeley_Eagle

Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Ballin is a happy hooker at Eagles

Jason Avedissian

20 August 2008
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/08/20/11646_sports.html

MANLY hooker Matt Ballin is set to knock back offers from rival NRL clubs and remain at the Sea Eagles.

Ballin's manager George Mimis is currently in talks with the Sea Eagles about a four-season deal which could see the rake remain at the club until the end of the 2012 season.

The Broncos' junior has generated interest from several clubs but is tipped to knock back all overtures and remain at Brookvale Oval.

"It's certainly very close," Manly boss Grant Mayer said yesterday of negotiations.

"It's a matter of working out the length of the contract.

"I think he's made it quite clear he wants to stay and we want to keep him.

"It's a matter of making it all fit within the salary cap."

Ballin made his top-grade debut for the Sea Eagles with a man-of-the-match effort against the Wests Tigers in round two last year.

But with ex-Manly captain Michael Monaghan in the pack, the Kingaroy junior was always going to play second fiddle.

Monaghan's departure in the summer to Warrington in the English Super League paved the way for Ballin to find a permanent place in Manly's pack this year.

Ballin has previously expressed interest in returning to his junior club at some point, but has always wanted to remain at Manly.

"It's always been a home for me up there (Brisbane), but at the moment I really want to stay at Manly," he said.

"Definitely at the moment Manly is my team and I'm happy here."
 
He's been super for us.  A lot of people didn't like his burrowing from 2m out or something but that's what all the hookers used to do.  And he's made it work plenty of times.  I hope he gets a contract because he has a terrific work ethic and he wants to stay, what more can you ask!
 
Not only that, he can sniff a penalty around the ruck like no-one else can

It is great having 2 specialist Hookers in the side as well
 
I am over the moon at this. I am with DSM5 on this one though, re the 80 mins, though I did notice that he often stays on even when Le Snak takes the field.
 
My opinion only here guys as well - I take what is written in The manly Daily with a grain of salt.
 
Ryan link said:
My opinion only here guys as well - I take what is written in The manly Daily with a grain of salt.
i tipped this about 5 weeks ago after i attended the parra game at brookvale
i also said my source was impecable :)
 
Because for the majority of the season L'Estrange has been brilliant and added extra dimensions when he has been on the park
 
And because he handles the ball more than anyone else in the team and may need a break from time to time. if its good enough for Buderus its good enough for him.

And that is no criticism of the kid
 
Buderus is only now having time  of to rest his busted knees and nurse him through the season.  When he was fit he played the full minutes.  Smith plays the full time.  I just see it as a wasted opportunity to have four replacements for tired big guys. 
 

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