From the Canberra Times this morning
Raiders race for Roberts
By Bevan Hannan
Friday, 2 July 2004
The National Rugby League's leading tryscorer, Amos Roberts, has been approached by the Canberra Raiders as insurance for the possible departure of centre Joel Monaghan after the start of the player trading period yesterday.
Monaghan will meet with the Sydney Roosters and Manly in Sydney next week before making a decision on a $250,000-a-season deal over three years from the Raiders.
Canberra CEO Simon Hawkins and general manager Don Furner met with Monaghan and hismanager Jim Banaghan for more than an hour at the Queanbeyan Leagues Club yesterday.
When Monaghan indicated he wanted to reserve his decision until speaking further with rival clubs, the Raiders prepared a three-year offer for Roberts, who has proved the bargain-buy of the season for Penrith with 16 tries after as many rounds.
In other developments on day one of the open market:
Canberra's Ruben Wiki received eight offers, five from the English Super League plus New Zealand and Manly are believed to be among three from the NRL.
Kiwi international David Kidwell expects to decide on three offers, including Canberra, over the weekend.
Local junior Michael Robertson agreed to terms with the Raiders for another two years.
The Raiders proceeded with an offer for Panther Paul Whatuira.
Canberra edged closer to signing promising forwards Alan Rothery and Kris Kahler for two years.
Parramatta and Wests Tigers were the other two clubs chasing Monaghan. However, the real race is between Canberra, the Roosters and Manly.
Monaghan described the Raiders' offer as "very good" and said he was aiming to make up his mind early next week. When asked if it was good enough to keep him in Canberra, Monaghan replied, "I think it is".
Monaghan, who is aiming to make a comeback from a knee injury against the Tigers tomorrow, also revealed the outstanding win against Brisbane last weekend had been a positive factor for the Green Machine.
"It is probably the most excited I've been in a long time," Monaghan said. "We weren't travelling too well before I got injured. It was good to see them win and it was a style of football that looked good and would be good to keep playing."
Roberts, 23, has performed exceptionally in almost every position in the backline for Penrith this year but the Raiders view him as a top outside back.
Banaghan said he understood Canberra would withdraw their deal if other offers were accepted first.
"That's the risk we run by looking around," Banaghan said. "We fully accept that. In order to collate all the information that Joel needs to make a good decision, I have encouraged him to at least give the other clubs the courtesy of hearing what they have to say."
While Monaghan is expected to have his future settled next week, Banaghan said Wiki is at least a fortnight away.
