By Brent Read and Margie McDonald
April 18, 2008 MANLY are close to retaining exciting winger Michael Bani but their pursuit of Anthony Tupou continues to frustrate, with the Sydney Roosters forward no closer to deciding his future.
The Sea Eagles recently opened talks with Bani, the Thursday Islander who made his debut last year and emerged as one of the finds of the season.
His form has shown no signs of tapering in 2008, having scored four tries in five appearances.
"He's a player that appeals on so many levels," Manly chief executive Grant Mayer said.
"The players love having him around. He's a character. We have spent a lot of time and reserves developing him."
The Sea Eagles remain candidates to secure Tupou next year, although the longer talks drag on the more likely it is he will stay at the Roosters.
"At this stage we still don't know what's going on," Mayer said.
"The longer we wait, it puts our other negotiations with exciting players on hold."
Cronulla are unlikely to pursue Tupou despite losing second rower Lance Thompson after this weekend's round to a chronic knee injury.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23557882-23214,00.html
April 18, 2008 MANLY are close to retaining exciting winger Michael Bani but their pursuit of Anthony Tupou continues to frustrate, with the Sydney Roosters forward no closer to deciding his future.
The Sea Eagles recently opened talks with Bani, the Thursday Islander who made his debut last year and emerged as one of the finds of the season.
His form has shown no signs of tapering in 2008, having scored four tries in five appearances.
"He's a player that appeals on so many levels," Manly chief executive Grant Mayer said.
"The players love having him around. He's a character. We have spent a lot of time and reserves developing him."
The Sea Eagles remain candidates to secure Tupou next year, although the longer talks drag on the more likely it is he will stay at the Roosters.
"At this stage we still don't know what's going on," Mayer said.
"The longer we wait, it puts our other negotiations with exciting players on hold."
Cronulla are unlikely to pursue Tupou despite losing second rower Lance Thompson after this weekend's round to a chronic knee injury.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23557882-23214,00.html