Kennedy coup
By DEAN RITCHIE Rugby League Writer
June 10, 2004
BEN Kennedy's close friendship with former Test prop and current Manly assistant coach Steve Roach is today expected to give the Sea Eagles their most significant signing in a decade.
The Daily Telegraph understands the Newcastle star is this morning poised to tell the Knights he will be heading to Manly next season.
Kennedy, 30, will agree to a two-year contract at the Sea Eagles with a third season option.
Manly were last night still denying the deal had been completed, but the club hopes Kennedy's signing could lead to Knights teammate Timana Tahu also arriving at Brookvale.
Kennedy and Tahu are friends as are their wives.
Roach and Kennedy are also good friends and the former Balmain front-rower played a key role in negotiations.
"Ben hasn't signed anything yet but I've certainly got my fingers crossed he's a mate of mine," Roach said.
"I think Ben Kennedy is the best forward in the world.
"We approached Ben when we heard he could negotiate with other clubs.
"I told Ben Manly is a club on the way up.
"We have young players like Brett Stewart, Sam Harris and Anthony Watmough coming through.
"Ben can help these players with their development in the game.
"He started his rugby union career at Manly and it would be nice to leave his rugby league career after playing with Manly.
"I know he loves the northern beaches."
Roach's excitement is matched by Newcastle's disappointment.
"We'll have to wait and see what happens but if he does go it would be terrible," said Newcastle teammate Matt Gidley.
"Ben is possibly the best signing Newcastle has ever made.
"Ben's a close mate of mine and has been tremendous for the Knights. It would be a massive loss," added Gidley.
Sources claim the Knights were aware they could not re-sign Kennedy and Andrew Johns and remain under the $3.25 million salary cap.
This will be Manly's highest-profile signing since centre Terry Hill joined the club in 1994. Brett Kimmorley was a key buy in 2000 but he actually joined the Northern Eagles.
Kennedy will miss the Knights' clash with North Queensland tomorrow after scans revealed he had not fully recovered from a hamstring tear.
Knights winger Tahu is also being hunted by rugby union and cannot open any NRL negotiations until after the June 30 anti-tampering deadline passes.
Manly are cashed up after the club was privatised last week through a deal with local property developer Max Delmege. Kennedy will be the first blue-chip signing.
Sea Eagles executive director Paul Cummings stressed that Kennedy who previously worked in real estate has not been offered a job with Delmege after retiring from football.
The Sea Eagles will, however, financially assist Kennedy in obtaining a real estate licence.
It is understood Manly will meet with Kennedy's manager Mick Newton this morning to tie up final details.
Manly are also interested in boom prop Brent Kite, who is leaning towards Canberra, and Raiders hardman Ruben Wiki.
By DEAN RITCHIE Rugby League Writer
June 10, 2004
BEN Kennedy's close friendship with former Test prop and current Manly assistant coach Steve Roach is today expected to give the Sea Eagles their most significant signing in a decade.
The Daily Telegraph understands the Newcastle star is this morning poised to tell the Knights he will be heading to Manly next season.
Kennedy, 30, will agree to a two-year contract at the Sea Eagles with a third season option.
Manly were last night still denying the deal had been completed, but the club hopes Kennedy's signing could lead to Knights teammate Timana Tahu also arriving at Brookvale.
Kennedy and Tahu are friends as are their wives.
Roach and Kennedy are also good friends and the former Balmain front-rower played a key role in negotiations.
"Ben hasn't signed anything yet but I've certainly got my fingers crossed he's a mate of mine," Roach said.
"I think Ben Kennedy is the best forward in the world.
"We approached Ben when we heard he could negotiate with other clubs.
"I told Ben Manly is a club on the way up.
"We have young players like Brett Stewart, Sam Harris and Anthony Watmough coming through.
"Ben can help these players with their development in the game.
"He started his rugby union career at Manly and it would be nice to leave his rugby league career after playing with Manly.
"I know he loves the northern beaches."
Roach's excitement is matched by Newcastle's disappointment.
"We'll have to wait and see what happens but if he does go it would be terrible," said Newcastle teammate Matt Gidley.
"Ben is possibly the best signing Newcastle has ever made.
"Ben's a close mate of mine and has been tremendous for the Knights. It would be a massive loss," added Gidley.
Sources claim the Knights were aware they could not re-sign Kennedy and Andrew Johns and remain under the $3.25 million salary cap.
This will be Manly's highest-profile signing since centre Terry Hill joined the club in 1994. Brett Kimmorley was a key buy in 2000 but he actually joined the Northern Eagles.
Kennedy will miss the Knights' clash with North Queensland tomorrow after scans revealed he had not fully recovered from a hamstring tear.
Knights winger Tahu is also being hunted by rugby union and cannot open any NRL negotiations until after the June 30 anti-tampering deadline passes.
Manly are cashed up after the club was privatised last week through a deal with local property developer Max Delmege. Kennedy will be the first blue-chip signing.
Sea Eagles executive director Paul Cummings stressed that Kennedy who previously worked in real estate has not been offered a job with Delmege after retiring from football.
The Sea Eagles will, however, financially assist Kennedy in obtaining a real estate licence.
It is understood Manly will meet with Kennedy's manager Mick Newton this morning to tie up final details.
Manly are also interested in boom prop Brent Kite, who is leaning towards Canberra, and Raiders hardman Ruben Wiki.
