Seizer, Elgey etc didnt want to come to Manly. Maloney was already snared by Cronulla. We had no one to replace DCE. Points important to remember. DCE wanted to stay for less but Manly bungled the deal because they set their sights on Foran. By the time it was obvious Foran had gone to the Eels, DCE had signed with the Titans. It was always going to be a big ask to get him back, given Titans were offering not far from a million a season.
Thing is having a swipe at DCE is unfair. He had agreed in principle to an earlier smaller offer from Manly, but they withdrew the offer. They were always going to have to pay overs to not only get him back, but to appease and to have him face bad publicity which he handled well. If Fulton hadnt walked in and offered the bigger contract and then grabbed a few other significant players like Taupua, Walker, Parcell, and no established half back, we would be looking at the wooden spoon and the bottom of the comp for several years.
DCE has been carrying an injury, like TT for much of the year, so he hasnt been at his best. But remember this kid helped Manly to our last premiership and almost a second one. He's a top tier half, not as good as Thurston or Cronk (maybe at this stage) but he and the Turbos are the basis of our future team. Blame the club esp the Penns and their hangers on, but not DCE. He always said he wanted to stay at Manly. Manly bungled it, not him.
