from foxsports.com.au
Tahu linked to Eels, Eagles
By Brent Read and Will Swanton
July 5, 2004
TEST winger Timana Tahu admitted yesterday he was leaning towards leaving Newcastle at the end of the year.
Tahu, one of the hottest players on the open market, has received offers from several clubs, including Parramatta and Manly.
He also has an offer on the table from the Knights but is understood to be ready to follow teammate Ben Kennedy out of the club.
Kennedy will play with Manly in 2005.
"It's up to the Knights if they want to keep me or not," Tahu told ABC Radio.
"I think it's turning towards me leaving the Knights at the moment.
"I want to know by the end of the week. If I do have to go I have got no problem."
Tahu's decision is likely to have implications for several other players on the market.
If he elects to join Manly, the Sea Eagles are likely to drop off Canberra's Joel Monaghan, who is considering leaving the capital.
If Tahu stays in Newcastle, Manly will up the ante in their quest to sign Monaghan, who has also been linked with the Roosters.
Brisbane prop Carl Webb, also on the lookout for a club, did his cause no harm with a powerhouse display against Souths yesterday.
Webb is in the sights of the New Zealand Warriors, although that could hinge on whether the Kiwi outfit recruits Bulldogs skipper Steve Price.
Bulldogs chairman George Peponis said he hoped a "life after footy" package would entice Price to spurn a massive offer from the Warriors.
"Steve's got to look at all his options, weigh them up, look at what the future holds as well," Peponis said.
Melbourne yesterday announced they had fended off bids from several rivals to retain New Zealand international David Kidwell for a further three seasons.
Kidwell rejected offers from Cronulla and Canberra. Prop Alex Chan also agreed to remain at the Storm for a further two seasons.
"It's a big relief and a weight off my shoulders to call Melbourne home for the next three years," the 28-year-old Kidwell said.
"Canberra put forward a pretty lucrative deal but money isn't everything and I'm very settled down here."
Canberra could cop another hit this week if prop Ruben Wiki elects to leave.
Wiki has received a host of offers, including the New Zealand Warriors.
The Warriors yesterday released prop Mark Tookey, who will join Castleford in England.
The English Super League club announced it had released former Newcastle utility Sean Rudder, clearing room for Tookey.
Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said the club had reached an amicable agreement with Rudder.
"It is very unfortunate that things didn't work out for Sean," Wright said.
