Bell's deal quest
Jason Avedissian
1 April 2008
Off-contract Sea Eagle Steve Bell is putting out feelers for offers.
SEA Eagles management will not stop Origin centre Steven Bell from pursuing a rich deal in Europe at the end of the season.
The off-contract 31-year-old has attracted interest from Super League French club Les Catalans.
Bell is among five key Manly NRL players off contract.
It is believed Manly is keen to add one or two young halves to their roster for the 2009 season.
Manly boss Grant Mayer would not elaborate on Bell's future when contacted last night ahead of the Sea Eagles round three clash with the Warriors at Brookvale Oval.
"He's been a loyal and important player for the club and it's all a work in progress," Mayer said.
Bell, who is in his third season at Brookvale after joining the Sea Eagles from the Storm at the end of the 2005 season, said on the weekend he enjoys Manly but would consider offers abroad.
"I'm not ruling anything out at the moment in terms of looking at options overseas," he said.
"I'm happy at Manly, it's a great place and I'd like to stay, but I have to look after my family too.
"I haven't spoken to them (Manly) yet so I'll have to wait and see.
"As the season goes on, I'll get a fair idea of what I want to do."
Veteran Steve Menzies is likely to retire at the end of the year despite recently suggesting he could push on for one more year.
Other off-contract Sea Eagles include Matt Ballin, Michael Bani and Mark Bryant.
Mayer did confirm the club may be forced to look at second tier players for next year after missing out recently on Raiders half Todd Carney.
"There's not enough quality players available at the moment," Mayer said.
It is understood the Sea Eagles are seeking off-contract halves in the mould of South Sydney's Eddie Paea and Melbourne's Russell Aitken, players who can fill various positions in the halves.
Jason Avedissian
1 April 2008
Off-contract Sea Eagle Steve Bell is putting out feelers for offers.
SEA Eagles management will not stop Origin centre Steven Bell from pursuing a rich deal in Europe at the end of the season.
The off-contract 31-year-old has attracted interest from Super League French club Les Catalans.
Bell is among five key Manly NRL players off contract.
It is believed Manly is keen to add one or two young halves to their roster for the 2009 season.
Manly boss Grant Mayer would not elaborate on Bell's future when contacted last night ahead of the Sea Eagles round three clash with the Warriors at Brookvale Oval.
"He's been a loyal and important player for the club and it's all a work in progress," Mayer said.
Bell, who is in his third season at Brookvale after joining the Sea Eagles from the Storm at the end of the 2005 season, said on the weekend he enjoys Manly but would consider offers abroad.
"I'm not ruling anything out at the moment in terms of looking at options overseas," he said.
"I'm happy at Manly, it's a great place and I'd like to stay, but I have to look after my family too.
"I haven't spoken to them (Manly) yet so I'll have to wait and see.
"As the season goes on, I'll get a fair idea of what I want to do."
Veteran Steve Menzies is likely to retire at the end of the year despite recently suggesting he could push on for one more year.
Other off-contract Sea Eagles include Matt Ballin, Michael Bani and Mark Bryant.
Mayer did confirm the club may be forced to look at second tier players for next year after missing out recently on Raiders half Todd Carney.
"There's not enough quality players available at the moment," Mayer said.
It is understood the Sea Eagles are seeking off-contract halves in the mould of South Sydney's Eddie Paea and Melbourne's Russell Aitken, players who can fill various positions in the halves.