Matt Ballin Re-Signs with Manly

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Matt Ballin re-signs with ManlyMarch 12, 2009 - 4:19PM

Manly's horror start to 2009 took a small turn for the better on Thursday with the club re-signing hooker Matt Ballin for a further four years.

The 25-year-old scored the opening try in last year's 40-0 NRL grand final victory and has become a first grade regular after replacing Michael Monaghan in the No.9 jersey last season.

"They gave me an opportunity in the NRL and I am grateful for that - I am happy my future has been settled and I look forward to another great season," Ballin said.

Ballin's re-signing comes amid high drama at the club with fullback Brett Stewart stood down by the NRL for four games for his behaviour at last week's club launch.

Stewart is due to face court on April 7 after he was charged with sexual assault for an incident following the launch last week.

Test forward Anthony Watmough is set to be reprimanded by the club for being involved in an altercation with a sponsor at the event.

Manly chief executive Grant Mayer said Ballin's signing was vital for the future of the club.

"A number of other clubs were keen to sign him and we can understand why but his loyalty and commitment to Manly was always going to keep him here," said Mayer.

"The negotiations probably took a little longer than we hoped but it is over now and he will in all probability always remain a Manly boy now."

© 2009 AAP