Look at the wording carefully
1. Original article
foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,15833297-23214,00.html
MICHAEL Monaghan may seek an early release from Manly if the NRL club signs Melbourne halfback Matt Orford.
Sea Eagles executive director Paul Cummings said he had made a formal offer to Orford's manager George Mimis today as the club hopes to sign the pint-sized No.7 and his Storm teammate Steve Bell in a package deal.
The recruitment of Orford would mean Monaghan would be shunted to hooker, a role he said he wasn't ready to take on.
"I do enjoy playing hooker but to be totally honest I don't think I want to move there yet," Monaghan said today.
L "I consider myself a halfback and I was told they wanted me to sign as halfback.
"I'll have to weigh up what type of options I've got if they sign him (Orford)."
With Monaghan re-signing with the Sea Eagles last month for an additional three years, his only option appears to be asking for an early release from his contract nutted out just two days after he was told he had no future at Brookvale.
Cummings stressed at no stage during contracted negotiations with Monaghan was the 25-year-old guaranteed the halfback spot for Manly.
"When Michael was signed he was considered for various positions," Cummings said.
"I can guarantee you there was no commitment to Michael and his manager (Jim Banaghan about the halfback position) and incidentally Michael didn't ask for any commitments at all.
"Michael was just happy to sign with the club."
Banaghan confirmed today that Manly officials never promised Monaghan a mortgage on the No.7 jersey.
"It's never been our intention to predict people's position but the club did say at the time they had no intention of signing Matt Orford," Banaghan said.
2. Response
http://www.manlyseaeagles.com.au/Default.asp
Manly captain Michael Monaghan says media speculation that he would seek a release from the club if the Sea Eagles signed Melbourne Storm halfback Matt Orford were unfounded.
"I have just signed a new contract with Manly and I don't want to go anywhere - I am a player and it is up to the club to sign who they like.
I have no problems with Matt Orford coming to the club or any player that management thinks can help us win a premiership.
"I'm amazed that someone has written that I will seek a release when I have never said such a statement" Monaghan said. Note the original article didn't say he said this
Monaghan told coach Des Hasler and executive chairman Paul Cummings late today that he was totally committed to the Manly club.
"I have a new contract with Manly and intend to fulfil it to the best of my ability.
It's not my position as a player to tell my employer who they can and can't buy and I would never do that. I'm happy at Manly and if Matt Orford comes to the club it is obvious only one of us could play in the number seven.
"Where I play is up to the coach as it is every week. Sure I prefer halfback but I have played elsewhere.
I want the Manly fans to know that I have never threatened to seek a release and won't be.
I love it at Manly and right now am excited at the remainder of the 2005 season with the club. We have a lot more of a noise to make yet and are seeking a couple of wins to ensure a finals position before resetting our goals," Monaghan said.
If you read carefully, Monas hasn't denied the actual quote attributed to him that he would need to weigh up his options (apparently a thinly veiled code for seeking a release). Nor has he unequivocally said he wouldn't seek a release (only that he wouldn't threaten to do so). Word games.