Thanks mate - (he's playing for The Storm tonight if anyone is interested)
USING club legend Steve Menzies as an influential go-between, Manly are hoping to snap up promising Bradford Bulls forward Sam Burgess.
The highly-rated Englishman has expressed a desire to play in Australia and it’s understood Sea Eagles officials are hopeful Menzies’ friendship with his 20-year-old teammate will help lure him to Brookvale.
While Manly have confirmed the signing of Melbourne prop Matt Cross for the next two seasons, they are eager to add another quality forward to their roster.
Glenn Hall (Bradford), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Roosters) and Adam Cuthbertson (Sharks) are all big men leaving the Sea Eagles at the end of the year.
And Menzies, who confirmed last week he will play on for a second season with the Bulls in 2010, believes Burgess would be a big hit in the NRL.
“I’m pretty close with Sam over here,†the evergreen 35-year-old said.
“He’s a great young player.
“He’s probably one of the most talented young forwards going around in Great Britain.
“He does have aspirations to play in the NRL so whatever club is after him is definitely going to be a great acquisition.â€Â
The Sea Eagles got a first-hand look at Burgess during their World Club Challenge trip in February and were immediately impressed with his skills and workrate.
Meanwhile, most of the Sea Eagles squad will return to training Tuesday after coach Des Hasler gave his troops three days off following Friday night’s impressive win over the Knights.
Manly’s Origin contingent have been given an extra day off while star fullback Brett Stewart is likely to have a light field run with his teammates later in the week as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Tickets for this year’s NRL Grand Final go on sale to members of all NRL clubs from tomorrow morning, with tickets released for general sale on Thursday, August 13.