Rugby League: Rejuvenated Manly a player magnet

By PETER JESSUP

Major Sydney player agent Jim Banaghan reckons the Manly Sea Eagles is the best club a player can sign for because the new financial backers of the associated wealthy Leagues Club are prepared to guarantee player salaries.

The Eagles, who play the Warriors at Ericsson Stadium tonight, flew in yesterday on the back of deals with Canberra halfback Michael Monaghan and Dragons prop Ian Donnelly. They are said to be in the market for several more as the new-look board seeks to revive the proud club's heritage.

They also re-signed second-rowers Solomon Haumono and Luke Williamson, and wing Ben MacDougall.

"You would have to think that right now the Manly contracts are the best in the competition," Banaghan said.

The Leagues Club is backed by Northern Beaches real estate bigwig Max Delmege.

Deputy chairman Peter Peters says there has been positive feedback this week to his comments that the Eagles were seriously interested in Kiwi talent.

Warriors second-rower Logan Swann doesn't look likely to go there, despite interest. His decision on a club for 2004 is expected next week.

Wigan, the former club of Swann's manager, Frank Endacott, is in the market with plenty of money.

Wests second-rower Luke O'Donnell is going to the Cowboys and Eels winger Pat Richards to Wests. Those were the only confirmed movements yesterday.

The Warriors will not buy in anyone else after securing Newcastle prop Matt Jobson, who clearly wants to move out from under Knights regulars Matt Parsons and Josh Perry to push for a starting spot.

"I'm not buying him as a back-up prop," coach Daniel Anderson said of Jobson, a warning to the incumbents. "He's been well trained in the Newcastle style and he's a hard-nosed front-rower who knows what it takes to get the next play set up.

"He's been well educated in the front-row skills and he offers something different from the young front-rowers here because they aren't used to the same intensity or impact in a game."

Anderson said the change from Motu Tony to Thomas Leuluai at five-eighth was brought on because he wanted a structured role-player.

Tony was a victim of his versatility, but his best place was fullback, where "he has to beat Webby [incumbent Brent Webb]."

Lance Hohaia was playing as though he wasn't enjoying it and had to regain his passion and fire.

Anderson agreed that some of his players were sitting back. "They're thinking 'We're going to get there' and that doesn't just happen. We have to be desperate in every game."

One Eagle who couldn't fly was five-eighth Ben Walker. He trained all week but was withdrawn after suffering recurrences of the headaches that he has had since being knocked out in a clash with prop Chris Beattie's knee in their game against Cronulla three weekends ago.

His replacement is Luke Dorn, a former Australian schoolboys rep just turned 21 who made a big impression last year and early this season before suffering a form slump.

The Warriors trained without problems and will play as named on Tuesday, bar Swann, who is out with a knee tear.

Cronulla expect to have star halfback Brett Kimmorley back for the game against the Warriors at Shark Park next Saturday night after a month-long injury layoff.

Warriors: Brent Webb, Henry Fa'afili, Vinnie Anderson, Clinton Toopi, Henry Meli, Thomas Leuluai, Stacey Jones, Jerry Seuseu, Monty Betham (capt), Richard Villasanti, Wairangi Koopu, Awen Guttenbeil, Sione Faumuina; interchange, Tevita Latu, Iafeta Palea'aesina, Karl Te Mata, Ali Lauiti'iti.

Manly: Brendon Reeves, Scott Donald, Albert Torrens, Ben MacDougall, Mitch Creary, Luke Dorn, Jason Ferris, Jason King, Chad Randall, Danny Lima, Solomon Haumono, Luke Williamson, Steve Menzies (capt); interchange, Sam Harris, Aaron Cannings, Anthony Watmough, Tony Jensen, Matt Hill (18th man).

* Visit nzherald.co.nz throughout the weekend for Warriors updates.

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