Farrar swap almost done
JOSH ALSTON
June 4th, 2009
THE Cowboys will today announce the signing of Manly's Michael Bani with Ben Farrar to head to Brookvale in a mid-season swap.
The only thing that could prevent the trade happening will be a final medical in Sydney, although Cowboys officials are confident that is a formality and the deal will be struck.
North Queensland football manager Dean Lance said club medical staff were pleased with the results of Tuesday's meeting with the specialist but wanted some final niggles assessed before making the leap.
"Michael Bani has seen a specialist we organised in Sydney, there's just something we want to get confirmed from the doctor in Sydney and once that's done (the deal will be official)," Lance said.
"He's ticked all the boxes and we'll continue to keep the process rolling ... we're just making sure we dot the i's and cross the t's."
Bani has been sidelined in recent weeks with a knee injury and also suffered a neck injury last season. The Cowboys want to make sure the problems aren't long-term before making the final deal.
Lance said Bani was currently training and expected the final appointment to pave the way for his move north.
"A few little things came up in the scan so we want Michael to go back and see the doctor, I spoke to him today and he's running and it's all good reports," Lance said.
"He's a fit young athlete who is ready ... we just want to confirm it and cover all bases."
Farrar, a Newcastle native, stands to come out ahead
in the deal as well, with the swap ensuring both players are signed for two further seasons beyond this season.
Farrar is off-contract with the Cowboys at the end of the year.
"Ben's good, he's been very patient," Lance said.
"He's training at the moment and this time tomorrow afternoon if it is definitely on, then Ben will start organising to make the move. Until that happens all systems are go.
"The situation is he's either going to play with us for the rest of the year or go to a good club like Manly with the security of two years on top of that so he's not whingeing at all.
"They understand where they are, we've been very up-front with him and Michael Bani."
Farrar, 22, has been in career-best form this season, bagging five tries and playing all but one game.
``I love Ben Farrar, I think he's been terrific," Lance said.
"He's a fabulous young athlete and he's really playing to the best of his ability and going really well.
"In saying that, Michael Bani has pure speed and is a good athlete, he's a big, strong young thing and I know (coach) Neil (Henry) is impressed with his attributes – and he's a Thursday Island boy.
I know Michael is very keen to get up this neck of the woods and we're very keen to see (it) happen."
Sounds like they were never planning on re-signing him. I am SUPER pissed at this. It's a very very very bad decision. Farrar's just as good as Bani on the wing and better anywhere else in the backline. We don't need more specialist wingers - we need a utility back who can cover 1-5.
If he does go, I wish him well. And I hope he has a blinder against us later in the season and reminds Cowboys Management of the stupid decision they've made.
