Cowboy on Eels' hit list
By DEAN RITCHIE
July 8, 2004
PARRAMATTA held official contract talks with Glenn Morrison yesterday and the Eels also moved a step closer to signing Newcastle's Timana Tahu.
Morrison, the North Queensland Cowboys representative lock, was offered a two-year deal after meeting with Eels officials yesterday morning.
It is understood Morrison has told Cowboys officials he will not be at the club next season.
Parramatta have also made a massive offer to Tahu and hope he will make a decision on his future by tomorrow.
Manly yesterday withdrew their strong interest in Tahu, ensuring he either stays at Newcastle or signs with the Eels.
Tahu will make a decision on his future when his coach Michael Hagan returns to Newcastle from Queensland State Of Origin commitments.
Like Morrison, Tahu could decide his future as early as tomorrow.
Manly last night confirmed they could not match the offer for Tahu and will now focus on signing Canberra outside-back Joel Monaghan.
Some claim Tahu has received an offer of $400,000 a season but Parramatta say their offer is for about $300,000 a year.
He has been offered a three-year contract.
"We didn't actually make Timana an official offer and we felt that the money he attracted elsewhere was above our budget," said Manly executive director Paul Cummings.
"We have now made an offer to Joel Monaghan and we are awaiting his decision.
"We were always looking to sign two quality forwards and one quality back.
"We have got those two forwards in Ben Kennedy and Brent Kite and are still looking for our back.
"There are still several of our good young players who we want to re-sign."
South Sydney yesterday re-signed rising halfback Joe Williams for two years.
Canberra and Manly had expressed interest but the Sea Eagles withdrew from negotiations on Tuesday.
"Joe is committed to us and it says something about how the club is going forward," said Souths' chief executive Shane Richardson.
"Joe is very talented and has a big future although he still has a lot to learn."
Bulldogs captain Steve Price may finalise his playing future tomorrow as well.
Price has received an offer of about $400,000 a season about $120,000 a year more than the Bulldogs' bid from the New Zealand Warriors.
The Bulldogs will meet with Price today and the Queensland prop is expected to make a decision either tomorrow or over the weekend.
