Also, not sure if anyone has seen this in today's Sun...
Source:
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18049368%5E14823,00.html
Gower edges closer to Storm deal
Dean Ritchie
06feb06
PENRITH star Craig Gower is poised to move to Melbourne after being dumped as Panthers captain.
His manager Greg Willett said last night the heartbroken Gower's health had deteriorated badly since he received the news. Willett said Gower felt "let down" by the Panthers.
Gower, who returns home on Wednesday from his honeymoon in Vietnam, will hold talks with Penrith later in the week.
Indications are Gower will request a release and sign with Melbourne Storm.
The Australian Tri-Nations halfback remains angry at losing the captaincy and being fined $100,000 ($70,000 suspended) after a drunken weekend at a Jack Newton charity golf day on the Sunshine Coast late last year.
"I've never seen him so white and sick," Willett said yesterday. "He was so disappointed how it (his sacking and fine) was done. He didn't look good.
"It affected him badly. His health was no good and he was heartbroken.
"This isn't about football or any amount of money. It's about his health."
Willett said the crux of his meeting last week with Penrith officials was to discuss Gower's health.
"I was worried about him." Willett said. "There has been an emotional strain on him. That's why I went to Penrith.
"I think he could have got more backing on the homefront (at Penrith).
"That's what I said to them."
Willett would not speculate on whether Gower would formally request a release.
"We'll go and see Penrith when he gets back. He'll make up his own mind," he said.
English club Castleford coach Terry Matterson revealed yesterday that Gower's manager had been in touch when the issue first blew up at Christmas time.
Matterson said the club was interested in Gower if he was released.
The newly promoted Castleford Tigers are searching for a halfback following the club's failure to sign Cronulla's Adam Dykes.
"Obviously, it's a position where we feel we are one down and he's top of the range," Matterson said. "His manager has contacted us, but I'm not too sure where we go from here. We are obviously interested.
"For someone like that to come on to the market would be very strange.
"I'm not too sure what happened in all the drama, but if he were to ask for a release, it would be a big move."
Melbourne also claims to have the money under the club's salary cap to lure Gower south.
Willet said: "Everyone keeps saying he did this and did that (at the charity day).
"He is supposed to have done all those things in 10 seconds. He may be quick, but he's not that quick."
