SYDNEY - The Manly Sea Eagles plan to employ a fulltime security guard to safeguard their National Rugby League star players when they are out socialising after matches.
Although Manly has been considering the added security for six months, the fatal bashing of former test cricketer David Hookes could fast track
the appointment.
A former member of the New South Wales police tactical response group is expected to join the club, with Manly officials saying they hold serious concerns for the safety of their players in public places.
Under the plan to be submitted to the Sea Eagles' next board meeting in February, Dave Millward, managing director of Safehand Security, would be assigned the job.
Sea Eagles chief executive Paul Cummings has put the proposal together with the assistance of new coach Des Hasler and football manager Peter Peters. Manly chairman Joe Cross confirmed the move was expected to be ratified on the recommendation of Cummings, Hasler and Peters next month.
"If it's in the best interests of the club, which in this case it appears to be, we will certainly support the notion," Cross said.
"It's unfortunate that these days you have to put measures in place to protect your vested interests."
The Sea Eagles security guard's tasks would include ensuring the safe travel of the team to and from venues on game days, travelling with the team interstate and accompanying players on sanctioned club nights out.
"We had it in mind even before the David Hookes incident which, like all Australians, we are obviously very saddened about," Peters said.
In the past, a number of rugby league players have expressed concerns about the dangers of becoming involved in incidents in the public eye.
Kangaroos, NSW and Newcastle skipper Andrew Johns was involved in a recent altercation in a Newcastle hotel although no charges were laid.
Penrith Panthers' premiership-winning hooker Luke Priddis guaranteed "at least one person will have a go at someone for something every single time we go out."
He said he had to be wary when out in public.
"I have to do things a bit differently, but that's the sacrifice I have to make for playing league, I just have to deal with it."
- NZPA
