Manly Sea Eagles' Matt Orford offers to take pay cut to stay at Brooky
Dean Ritchie
June 19, 2009
As Matt Orford's club is being torn apart at board level, the Manly captain offered to take a massive pay cut to stay at Brookvale.
In an amazing personal sacrifice, Orford said he is willing to drop $300,000 so the Sea Eagles can keep some star players, including New South Wales Origin forwards Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough.
While the board continues to bicker and chief executive Grant Mayer this week became a casualty of club politics, Orford's sacrifice shows the spirit is strong among players.
Orford, 31, revealed that he wanted to stay at Manly for three more years.
His present deal is $400,000 a season, but sources said the premiership-winning halfback is more than willing to drop at least $100,000 a year.
Orford's manager George Mimis is in England to talk with Super League clubs about several of his clients.
The future of the Sea Eagles' halfback is sure to come up for discussion, but Orford indicated he isn't ready to leave the NRL.
"I will take a pay cut. The club has to look at the big picture. They have others to retain," Orford said.
"They have good players coming off contract at the end of next season, like Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough. I'll take that into consideration. I have no reason to leave. If Manly still want me, I'm happy to stay.
"I feel I have a lot of football left in me. I'm in no rush. Let's get this football team on track.
"I have enjoyed my time at Manly and I am still enjoying my time at the club."
Orford is hoping a third-party sponsorship deal may prop up his contract.
He guided Manly to a premiership last year and is again among the leaders in the Dally M awards despite Manly's early season struggles.
"I've had success at Manly and I've made it clear Manly is my priority," Orford said.
"Des (Hasler, coach) and I have a great relationship. I talk honestly to him and he to me.
"I'm sure all the figures can be worked out. I know people will be interested in what I do, but I don't want to make a big fuss about this.
"As I said, I will take a pay cut, but obviously it will depend on how much it is."
Mimis described talks with Manly as "positive".