From SMH - nothing terribly new here......
Manly Sea Eagles turn focus to Mitchell Pearce after missing out on Matt Moylan
Adrian Proszenko
Manly will turn their attention to disgruntled Rooster Mitchell Pearce after missing out on the signature of Matt Moylan.
Penrith playmaker Moylan has agreed to terms with Cronulla in a swap for their NSW and Australian pivot James Maloney in a deal that is expected to be formally announced next week. Moylan's deal is expected to be for four years and Maloney's for three. It is understood the Panthers were liaising with the NRL in relation to a third-party deal in the belief it would remain at the foot of the mountains if Moylan didn't fulfil his contractual obligations.
The deal could have wide-ranging repercussions for other clubs.
The Sea Eagles were chasing Moylan's services and hoped his relationship with Trent Barrett might help tempt him to Brookvale. But after missing out on Moylan's signature, they will ramp-up their pursuit of Pearce if he is granted a release from the Roosters.
Pearce is considering his options during an overseas holiday, upset that he will have to hand over his No.7 jersey to Storm signing Cooper Cronk. While the Roosters have indicated they intend to squeeze Pearce, Luke Keary, Jake Friend and Cronk into their side, they will have to consider a release if the NSW halfback wants a fresh start.
Sea Eagles pivot Blake Green is contracted for 2018, but the Warriors are prepared to offer him a longer-term deal if he comes onto the open market. That would happen if Pearce switches to Manly in a move that would make him the halves partner of captain Daly Cherry-Evans.
Newcastle coach Nathan Brown has publicly expressed interest in signing Pearce should he come onto the open market. The Knights have cash to spend and have recently signed three former Roosters – Aidan Guerra, Connor Watson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
Maloney was poised to represent the Kangaroos in the clash with France at Canberra Stadium on Friday night, but was forced to withdraw for personal reasons not linked to his contract saga.
Moylan's move to the Shire will reunite him with former Panthers James Segeyaro and Wade Graham, while Maloney will bring much experience to a new halves pairing with promising youngster Nathan Cleary