fLIP
UFO Hunter
The Manly Daily can confirm the Sea Eagles have approached Barrett's manager Wayne Beavis about a possible move to the northern beaches.
Beavis has lodged an application with Wigan for Barrett to formally gain a release from the final year of his three-season deal in England.
The release is expected with the former Test star being pursued by up to five NRL clubs.
"It was an informal call, an inquiry," Beavis said yesterday when asked if Manly have contacted him about his No.1 client.
"They were flagging interest to see if and when he should become available.
"We'll sit down and talk to everyone in time."
Manly CEO Grant Mayer said it was standard practise for his staff to contact player agents about players.
"The recruitment team wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't inquire about all off contract players," he said.
"There's a number of irons in the fire and it's fair to say that all the players we are talking about would do a good job in the maroon and white of the Sea Eagles."
Mayer refused to speculate on prospective players.
It is understood the Sea Eagles are circling Knights utility Chris Bailey and young Titans half Josh Lewis. Cowboys backrower and part-time five-eighth Justin Smith has also expressed interest in joining Manly.
Barrett's signature would end a 10-season search for a regular No. 6 following the retirement of Manly great Cliff Lyons.
The Sea Eagles have used 20 pivots since Lyons retired in 1999.
"They would be mad if they didn't," Lyons said last month when asked if Manly should pursue Barrett.
"He's got good vision, speed and strength and would be a good signing."
In on-field Sea Eagles news, winger Michael Bani (ankle) will join teammates Anthony Watmough (foot) and Jason King (ankle) on the sideline for Sunday's round nine clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Nick Bradley-Qalilawa, David Williams, Steven Bell and Sean Meaney are all options to take over from Bani on the wing.
Utility Steve Menzies (hamstring), fullback Brett Stewart (calf) and prop Mark Bryant (knee) are all very hopeful of playing the Broncos.
Club officials yesterday said Watmough is still a couple of weeks away, while King is out for two months after fracturing his ankle in the win over the Bulldogs two weeks ago.
Country second-rower Glenn Stewart came through his representative debut unscathed and will front-up against Brisbane.
Beavis has lodged an application with Wigan for Barrett to formally gain a release from the final year of his three-season deal in England.
The release is expected with the former Test star being pursued by up to five NRL clubs.
"It was an informal call, an inquiry," Beavis said yesterday when asked if Manly have contacted him about his No.1 client.
"They were flagging interest to see if and when he should become available.
"We'll sit down and talk to everyone in time."
Manly CEO Grant Mayer said it was standard practise for his staff to contact player agents about players.
"The recruitment team wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't inquire about all off contract players," he said.
"There's a number of irons in the fire and it's fair to say that all the players we are talking about would do a good job in the maroon and white of the Sea Eagles."
Mayer refused to speculate on prospective players.
It is understood the Sea Eagles are circling Knights utility Chris Bailey and young Titans half Josh Lewis. Cowboys backrower and part-time five-eighth Justin Smith has also expressed interest in joining Manly.
Barrett's signature would end a 10-season search for a regular No. 6 following the retirement of Manly great Cliff Lyons.
The Sea Eagles have used 20 pivots since Lyons retired in 1999.
"They would be mad if they didn't," Lyons said last month when asked if Manly should pursue Barrett.
"He's got good vision, speed and strength and would be a good signing."
In on-field Sea Eagles news, winger Michael Bani (ankle) will join teammates Anthony Watmough (foot) and Jason King (ankle) on the sideline for Sunday's round nine clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Nick Bradley-Qalilawa, David Williams, Steven Bell and Sean Meaney are all options to take over from Bani on the wing.
Utility Steve Menzies (hamstring), fullback Brett Stewart (calf) and prop Mark Bryant (knee) are all very hopeful of playing the Broncos.
Club officials yesterday said Watmough is still a couple of weeks away, while King is out for two months after fracturing his ankle in the win over the Bulldogs two weeks ago.
Country second-rower Glenn Stewart came through his representative debut unscathed and will front-up against Brisbane.