Bad boy at Brookie
Jason Avedissian
11 March 2008
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/03/11/9156_sports.html
EX-MANLY enforcer Mark Carroll believes the Sea Eagles NSW Cup team should make names for themselves and target Parramatta bad boy Tim Smith when the half turns out at Brookvale Oval on Saturday.
An anonymous caller phoned Sydney radio station 2GB yesterday morning to say Smith and other Eels were drinking and misbehaving at a Parramatta nightclub until 4am on Saturday.
The Eels later confirmed some players were there but chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said they have no case to answer.
The incident comes just a week after Jarryd Hayne, Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo were stood down for Saturday night's season-opener against the Bulldogs after being involved in an altercation in Kings Cross.
Now Smith will return to football, via Brookvale Oval, with Carroll convinced Manly's team should target the troubled former NRL rookie of the year.
"For sure, they should just fire up," Carroll said last night.
"It's an opportunity to show Des (Manly coach Des Hasler) they can play first grade.
"He's been shooting his mouth off, lairing up, they should definitely go after him."
But Manly NSW Cup coach Craig Sandercock said his players would not target Smith.
"There's no time for sledging in the game any more," Sandercock said.
"I'll be telling my boys to get on with the game, if they want to impress Des."
Forwards to feature in the game for Manly may include Glenn Hall and Vic Mauro, among other players who have NRL experience.
Sandercock said the match was an opportunity for his squad to show Hasler they can play NRL.
"It's going to be a good test for them, to see if they are up to NRL standard," he said.
Meanwhile, Todd Carney's manager David Riolo says his client is no closer to making a decision on his future.
The young Raider is considering offers from Manly, Canberra and Penrith. "He does not know what he's doing at this stage," Riolo said last night.
"Manly is a very appealing club, forget about the money side of it, their roster is strong and the northern beaches is a good place to live," Riolo said.
"He's got three really good options, he's just got to work out what's best for him and I won't rush him."
Manly coach Des Hasler will announce the Sea Eagles first team of the NRL season today with the front-row causing plenty of conjecture.
Incumbent Jason King is tipped to get the nod in the starting line-up, with recruit Josh Perry set to make his club debut off the bench.
Hooker Matt Ballin should be named at No 9, with Heath L'Estrange missing out.
In the backs, centre David Vaealiki will start alongside Steven Bell with Steve Matai out injured.
Gates open at 3.15pm.
