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AN ANONYMOUS member of the 2011 Manly Sea Eagles has done the unthinkable selling an NRL premiership ring on eBay for a fraction of its worth. The Daily Telegraph can reveal for the first time in history leagues most valued grand final prize has been flogged online for the bargain basement price of $2300.
The unique piece of jewellery which, encrusted in diamonds, is one of only 25 presented to the Sea Eagles three years ago now belongs to a new owner, Toowoomba tattoo artist Danny Wighton.
Purchasing the piece in an online auction last week, Wighton received his prize on Monday and has since had it authenticated by the craftsman, leading Sydney jeweller Allan Zreik.
I still cant believe its real, Wighton said on Wednesday. At first, Id convinced myself it was going to be a fake.
But after getting the ring delivered, and then speaking with Allan, its definitely the real deal.
I cant believe anyone would ever sell something like this? I know over in America, if you win an NFL ring, an NBA ring, theyre cherished.
No one gives them away.
Maybe its a player who has run out of cash. Or an official who has fallen out with the club. Who knows?
Exactly who the premiership ring belonged to remains a mystery, with a Sea Eagles spokesman telling The Daily Telegraph that no players or officials had reported the item stolen.
Having made NRL premiership rings for the best part of two decades, Zreik not only confirmed the rings authenticity through a series of unique markings, but valued the piece at around $6000.
The jeweller said, from memory, the Sea Eagles had requested only four or five extras on top of the 20 presented to players, coach, chairman and chief executive.
Appearing on eBay early last week, the premiership ring was quickly snapped up by Wighton with an offer of $2300 a little over a third of its actual value.
Im not even a Manly fan, the Toowoomba resident laughed. But I have plenty of mates who are.
I knew I could flip it and get four grand, at least. But after speaking with Allan, Im going to wait a while then put it up on eBay again ... Im sure there are plenty of Manly fans who would want it.
The premiership ring is the first ever sold to a member of the public.
Back in 2010, a member of the St George Illawarra premiership squad tried to sell their prized jewellery on eBay for $15,000 however, the auction item was withdrawn after being revealed by The Daily Telegraph.
I was selling it for a player who didnt want it known who he was, the eBay seller said at the time.
He has decided after you contacting me to end the sale and keep the ring to avoid any negative publicity for himself or his family.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...hip-ring-on-ebay/story-fnp0lyn3-1227136096834
