<p>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. </p><p>"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. </p> <a href="http://www.silvertails.net/news/Sea-Eagles/matt-ballin-re-signs-for-4-yrs.html">Read the full article</a>
Ballin is a solid performer and I am sure another Manly man for life. He is a good egg and I am sure one day will be classed as amongst the best
I love Matt Ballin. Almost, nah, more, nah.....almost as mucg as Matt Orford. Call it a hetero-man-crush
Ballin is solid enough but in my opinion needs to go up another level this year and prove that he is better than your average NRL hooker. He needs a bit more variety in his game, be it a running game, kicking game or getting more involved in playmaking. Don't get me wrong I like the guy and he has done no wrong, but I'd like to see him broaden his game and repay a bit of the faith we have placed in him by signing him for 4 years.
He certainly doesn't need to prove he is better than average in my opinion. He already proved that. And that is why he was offered 4 years (obviously). I nominated him several months ago as my tip for 2009 Clive Churchill medallist...
hes is off contract end of this season sadly i dont think we will have the money to keep heathy that being the case i hope he gets a massive offer from an ESL club, hes a lovely bloke.
