https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...9/news-story/5574acdfbe0fabb91b1037e008dd494f
Manly CEO Lyall Gorman confirms centre Brian Kelly will be at Manly in 2019
MANLY CEO Lyall Gorman has confirmed the Sea Eagles will retain centre Brian Kelly despite fears he could be released due to the club’s salary cap drama.
Kelly had received interest from the Wests Tigers and Cowboys, but Gorman said the Lismore-born back is contracted and staying at Brookvale.
“Brian is contracted for next year,” Gorman told The Daily Telegraph about Kelly, who has scored three tries in 12 games this year.
“Absolutely, he will be here next season.”
Kelly’s retainment is a big boost for a Manly side that has been plagued by off-field drama all season.
The Sea Eagles’ cap situation has forced the club to part ways with a number of players, including Fijian flyer Aku Uate.
Despite the negative headlines, the Sea Eagles have showcased impressive resilience to only be two wins outside the top eight.
Manly host a struggling North Queensland side minus Origin players at Lottoland on Thursday night.
In other news, Gorman confirmed the Sea Eagles are closing in on filling up to five backroom staff roles, including a new recruitment manager.
“Some roles are done and others are still a work in progress,” he said.
“We are looking at employing about four or five people.
“We have a recruitment manager in the club already in Scott Fulton, but we are looking to go to market for a senior NRL list manager.
“We are in the process of doing that. “We want to get it done ASAP, but we’d much prefer to get the right person.
“Our recruitment is done for this year and a large percentage for next, but it’s about getting the right person with a long-term view not a short-term.”
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This follows coach Trent Barrett’s request for the club to strengthen its support staff.
Barrett conceded it has been a battle operating without key roles like a recruitment manager.
“There are some things that we needed to address from an administration point of view,” Barrett said.
“We have had a fair few people leave the place in the last 12 months and if we want to put the club and the team up the pointy end of the ladder again we have to get a lot of things right off the field.
“I’ve spoken to Lyall (Gorman) and Scott (Penn) about that and they’ve ensured me they are on the front foot trying to put a few more things around the football staff that can help us.
“I think the whole place would be better for it.
“We certainly don’t like seeing where the club is at the moment. We don’t like the position we are on the table and we want to fix it.”