http://www.manlyseaeagles.com.au/news.asp?tx=43&newsid=3669
Luke Williamson -> Harlequins
WHEN Luke Williamson arrived at Brookvale six years ago, the club was in financial ruin, struggling to survive.
Rumours of the place shutting its doors were not far off the mark, but in the end Manly survived as the Northern Eagles joint-venture disintegrated.
“It’s been a massive turnaround since then,” Williamson said yesterday after confirming rumours he’s off to play in England for the next two seasons.
“It helps with great financial backers like Max Delmege and then Scott Penn (joint owners).
“Money makes a massive difference. Their contribution into the club has made Manly a force within the NRL today.”
Not withstanding the contribution by Williamson himself.
The hard-working backrower is the type of player every club needs and every Sea Eagle loves to play alongside.
Williamson, who started his NRL career with the now defunct Adelaide Rams in 1997, will join the London Harlequins following Manly’s finals campaign next month.
The 30-year-old forward moved to the northern beaches via Canberra (1999-2001) in 2002, cementing himself as an invaluable player in his second season.
“When I first came here I had played five-eighth one year then moved into the forwards and I established myself nicely there,” Williamson said.
“My time here has just got better and better, culminating very nicely last year with the grand final.
“Hopefully we can do one better this year.”
Williamson is the fourth Sea Eagle to announce a move to Europe at the end of the season following Steven Bell (Catalans), Steve Menzies (Bradford) and Mark Bryant (Celtic).
But Manly have already signed Parramatta’s Tony Williams, Knights utility Chris Bailey and are expected to add Panthers backrower Shane Rodney to their 2009 roster.
