http://canberratimes.com/detail.asp...y_id=466624&category=General Sport&m=3&y=2006
Meanwhile, Canberra coach Matt Elliott insists he will not abuse his position to coax Raiders players to Penrith next season.
Elliott yesterday admitted he would have liked centre David Howell to follow him to the Panthers in 2007, where he will take over as coach. In the end, Elliott was influential in helping the Raiders extend Howell's contract until the end of 2008.
Elliott has also played a pivotal role in helping the Raiders re-sign Zillman, Purtell and centre Phil Graham this year.
"Penrith could use a really good outside back," Elliott said. "But without sounding like a good guy or trying to go out like a knight in shining armour, [Howell] is best served in developing his football here.
"He's a key member of the [Raiders] squad now, he's a key personality in the squad and I think he's got the opportunity here in the next two years to develop into a player of rep quality. It wasn't a matter of me doing the right thing, it was a mater of me being honest with him."
Elliott recruited Howell to the Raiders from the Dragons last season and the 22-year-old played 21 of Canberra's 24 NRL games. Elliott is a close friend of Howell's uncle, former St George and Canterbury player Michael Potter. "Hypothetically, I would have loved for David to come with me [to Penrith] because of my belief in him. But as I said, the package, plus the opportunity that exists here, Canberra is best for him.
is what i am reading from this correct canberra gave him more money then what elliott thought he was worth and told him to take it do 2 years here then come over once refined
