Don't worry
@globaleagle!!! Whether Peta is shipped off or not I won't be going anywhere. The toughest part for me will be where he may end up and inadvertently wishing him success there. If it was with the Worriers it wouldn't be so hard. However watching him run around for the Grubbitohs, Dragqueens, Gold Coke or the Squeels would be difficult.
I'd hope he can finally settle into one position and where he is best suited which is probably Fullback or Centre. Obviously his versatility can be a gift and a curse sometimes. Wherever he goes I just hope they utilize him properly.
Though I personally would love him to remain at Manly, I can see how it could be mutually beneficial to both parties for him to relocate elsewhere. Obviously Trent and the new coaching staff may have a preference towards Walker which is understandable. Also if the main reason for moving Peta is to not only obtain Walker but also free cap room for another International quality player then it makes sense for the club. Also of all the players the club is trying to move, Peta has the most value being a current NZ international. Sometimes to get something good you have to give up something good.
In regards to Peta, he will always play behind Snake for the fullback spot and Killer and Skivi for the Centre spots for Manly. Of course these guys are getting on and nearing the end of their careers but for now they are here for 1 or 2 more years at least. Peta can get a chance to play his best suited positions elsewhere and immediately on a consistent basis while still offering versatility when injuries arise. He can be more than just a Mr Fix-it and could be a long term Fullback or Centre for another team.
I think the only thing that disappoints me in this whole saga is the fact that Peta took less to stay at the club and turned down a bigger offer to return back home to the Warriors last year. He makes a commitment to the club and they possibly do this to him just like they did to Ballin. I understand the change in regime has probably played a part in this though.
At the end of the day I personally will always be a Manly supporter first and foremost. If they believe in the long run this move will possibly improve our team and give us a better shot at another premiership then so be it.
No matter where Peta ends up if he leaves, I will hope he continues to do well and keeps improving. He is only 22 so has plenty of time to keep developing into an even better footballer. This could end up being the best move for his career in the end, you never know.
When I look back he has really achieved alot already in his short career so far. He has played 61 first grade games for Manly and scored 28 tries and was the teams top tryscorer in 2014 with 17. He also set the record for most metres run in a game for Manly with 297 in the Finals in 2013. He has also played 9 tests for NZ, winning the Four Nations last year and proved he can perform at the highest level of the game. He has also been a very durable player so far, missing minimal time due to injuries.
So proud of what he's accomplished. Also especially how he has conducted himself off the field. He hasn't been invoved in any incidents that can bring disrepute to his own name or the teams. No domestic disputes, no fighting outside clubs, no defecating in hotel hallways, no mishaps with medication lol.
In all seriousness though if this was his last year with Manly then there has been more positives than negatives to come out of his time in maroon and white!!!