Monaghan: I'll hook when Orford signs
Monaghan: I'll hook when Orford signs
By PETER BADEL
July 17, 2005
MANLY skipper Michael Monaghan believes the club has snared Matt Orford and is prepared to shift to hooker to accommodate the Storm halfback.
Despite recently agreeing to a new three-year deal, Monaghan's future at the club has been clouded after revelations Manly were making a big-money play for Orford.
In the past fortnight, the Manly halfback has expressed uncertainty about a positional switch if the club was to sign the City Origin playmaker.
But Monaghan now says he is willing to change and expects the Sea Eagles to announce Orford's signing this week.
"I think Matt is coming here, we're pretty close to the Central Coast (where Orford grew up). The situation looks good," Monaghan said.
"I haven't spoken to the club yet about the whole situation, but if Matt comes here, I'd assume he would be playing halfback.
"At first I was worried about my role, but now I'm happy to play wherever it suits the team.
"The options for me are to play five-eighth or hooker.
"At this stage, it appears I'll be moved to hooker and that's fine. I actually considered doing it at Canberra (his previous club), so if that's what I have to do to make room for Orford, so be it.
"But I prefer five-eighth to hooker and wouldn't mind playing there."
Monaghan, 25, has had a turbulent past three months at Manly. It began with the club refusing to table him a new deal in June, only to backflip 24 hours later and sign him after the intervention of club owner Max Delmege.
Despite the saga, Monaghan insists he has no intention to ask for a release if the club snares Orford.
"I'm not interested in playing halfback for another club. I like this club and want to stay here," Monaghan said.
http://www.sundaytelegraph.news.com.au
Monaghan: I'll hook when Orford signs
By PETER BADEL
July 17, 2005
MANLY skipper Michael Monaghan believes the club has snared Matt Orford and is prepared to shift to hooker to accommodate the Storm halfback.
Despite recently agreeing to a new three-year deal, Monaghan's future at the club has been clouded after revelations Manly were making a big-money play for Orford.
In the past fortnight, the Manly halfback has expressed uncertainty about a positional switch if the club was to sign the City Origin playmaker.
But Monaghan now says he is willing to change and expects the Sea Eagles to announce Orford's signing this week.
"I think Matt is coming here, we're pretty close to the Central Coast (where Orford grew up). The situation looks good," Monaghan said.
"I haven't spoken to the club yet about the whole situation, but if Matt comes here, I'd assume he would be playing halfback.
"At first I was worried about my role, but now I'm happy to play wherever it suits the team.
"The options for me are to play five-eighth or hooker.
"At this stage, it appears I'll be moved to hooker and that's fine. I actually considered doing it at Canberra (his previous club), so if that's what I have to do to make room for Orford, so be it.
"But I prefer five-eighth to hooker and wouldn't mind playing there."
Monaghan, 25, has had a turbulent past three months at Manly. It began with the club refusing to table him a new deal in June, only to backflip 24 hours later and sign him after the intervention of club owner Max Delmege.
Despite the saga, Monaghan insists he has no intention to ask for a release if the club snares Orford.
"I'm not interested in playing halfback for another club. I like this club and want to stay here," Monaghan said.
http://www.sundaytelegraph.news.com.au