Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Pivotal decision for Manly
Jason Avedissian
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/04/19/9759_sports.html
19 April 2008
GIFTED former Manly five-eighth Cliff Lyons believes the Sea Eagles would be "mad" not to pursue ex-Dragons pivot Trent Barrett who is desperate to return to the NRL to complete his career.
It is widely understood Barrett is eyeing a return to the NRL despite being contracted to Wigan for another season.
Lyons said Barrett would be the perfect acquisition for the Sea Eagles who are on the search for a quality pivot.
"They would be mad if they didn't," Lyons said when asked if Manly should pursue Barrett.
"He's a quality player. He's got good vision, speed and strength. He's highly experienced at representative level and would be a good signing."
It is understood Barrett is not happy at Wigan and desperately wants to return to the NRL.
"He definitely wants to come back," a highly influential figure within the game said yesterday. "He definitely wants out of Wigan."
Manly boss Grant Mayer said it would be difficult to squeeze Barrett under the salary cap.
"He's a terrific player," Mayer said ahead of last night's Sea Eagles round six clash with the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
"It would be a fantastic world if there was no salary cap. Unfortunately we can't sign every player on the open market."
Mayer then suggested the lure of overseas deals was no longer a strong appeal for NRL players.
"Perhaps the pull of the UK Super League isn't so attractive any more," he said. "Which means, players like Trent Barrett may cut short or totally forego opportunities in the UK, which simply means NRL clubs like Manly will benefit." It is believed the Bulldogs and Dragons lead the race for Barrett.
In other league news, off contract Sea Eagles Steven Bell and Matt Ballin are in early discussions with Manly management about their futures at the club.
Bell has received interest from three clubs in Europe but is extremely content with life on the northern beaches.
Mayer said discussions with all off-contract players are progressing.
"It's early days but I'm sure we'll be meeting with all the agents about their clients in the near future," he said.
Jason Avedissian
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/04/19/9759_sports.html
19 April 2008
GIFTED former Manly five-eighth Cliff Lyons believes the Sea Eagles would be "mad" not to pursue ex-Dragons pivot Trent Barrett who is desperate to return to the NRL to complete his career.
It is widely understood Barrett is eyeing a return to the NRL despite being contracted to Wigan for another season.
Lyons said Barrett would be the perfect acquisition for the Sea Eagles who are on the search for a quality pivot.
"They would be mad if they didn't," Lyons said when asked if Manly should pursue Barrett.
"He's a quality player. He's got good vision, speed and strength. He's highly experienced at representative level and would be a good signing."
It is understood Barrett is not happy at Wigan and desperately wants to return to the NRL.
"He definitely wants to come back," a highly influential figure within the game said yesterday. "He definitely wants out of Wigan."
Manly boss Grant Mayer said it would be difficult to squeeze Barrett under the salary cap.
"He's a terrific player," Mayer said ahead of last night's Sea Eagles round six clash with the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
"It would be a fantastic world if there was no salary cap. Unfortunately we can't sign every player on the open market."
Mayer then suggested the lure of overseas deals was no longer a strong appeal for NRL players.
"Perhaps the pull of the UK Super League isn't so attractive any more," he said. "Which means, players like Trent Barrett may cut short or totally forego opportunities in the UK, which simply means NRL clubs like Manly will benefit." It is believed the Bulldogs and Dragons lead the race for Barrett.
In other league news, off contract Sea Eagles Steven Bell and Matt Ballin are in early discussions with Manly management about their futures at the club.
Bell has received interest from three clubs in Europe but is extremely content with life on the northern beaches.
Mayer said discussions with all off-contract players are progressing.
"It's early days but I'm sure we'll be meeting with all the agents about their clients in the near future," he said.
