THE chance to continue playing with the Sea Eagles next generation and building on the clubs incredible success over the past two years could see champion Manly half Matt Orford remain at the premiers beyond this season.
The Manly Daily understands Orford is leaning towards staying at Brookvale until the end of the 2011 season.
The 31-year-old is being courted by stronger overseas deals, but has accepted that he may have to take a pay cut to remain by the beaches in the NRL.
It also appears playing under coach Des Hasler, a desirable lifestyle at Freshwater, the emergence of talented youngsters William Hopoate, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and the continual improvement of representative stars Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough, could sway Orford to remain put.
Manly CEO Grant Mayer said talks with Orford and his management team are ongoing.
We hope to have things finalised within the next few weeks, Mayer said.
Matt is a quality player and a tremendous leader and therefore has generated a lot of interest overseas.
Contract discussions had no bearing on Orfords game on Sunday, as he sparked the Sea Eagles to a comfortable 34-10 win over the hapless Eels.
The victory, Manlys fourth of the season, was set-up in the first half when the hosts cruised to a comfortable 22-4 lead at the break.
Orford was instrumental throughout, setting up at least three tries in the 24-point flogging.
The victory backed-up the clubs terrific win over the Broncos the previous week and has lifted Manly into 12th place, three points outside the top eight.
That is only two games in a row now, its still a long season, Orford said.
Momentum is a massive part of this competition and were slowly building on that.
You have got to string games together to be a force in this competition ... I know if we stick to our guns and keep working hard its going to happen.
Manly prop Jason King escaped suspension after being placed on report for his 15th-minute tackle on Parramattas Nathan Cayless, which saw the Eels captain leave the field with concussion.
