http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,19720155-23214,00.html
Panthers on prowl for Wing
By Dean Ritchie
July 8, 2006
SYDNEY Roosters utility Craig Wing has been linked with a $250,000 switch to Penrith next season if the Bondi Junction club is prepared to release him.
The Saturday Daily Telegraph understands the Panthers want Wing to play five-eighth after missing out on Jamie Lyon but the move hinges on whether the Roosters will let him go.
The Australia and New South Wales Origin star is under contract at Bondi Junction until the end of 2007, but he has been the subject of enormous speculation about the Roosters looking to release him for much of this year.
Panthers general manager Mick Leary last night refused to confirm or deny the 2003 premier was interested in Wing.
And Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan was adamant Wing remained "under contract until 2007".
"That's news to me - I can't help you," Leary said.
"We're sitting back having a look at all our options at the moment.
"We've got no firm offers out to anyone at the moment so it's all hypothetical. "
There's a lot of players that we're interested in but I'm not confirming or denying whether we're interested in any high-profile player."
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A decision on Wing's future may become clearer after Roosters chairman Nick Politis returns from holidaying with family in Honolulu.
The Roosters may consider releasing Wing provided a rival club is willing to pick up his entire $250,000 a season salary.
Roosters chief Canavan last night said neither Penrith nor any other NRL club had telephoned to inquire about a possible release for Wing.
"There's been no call at all from his manager or any other club and the overriding fact is he's on contract next year," Canavan said.
"It's just one of those things where we're just looking for any angle we possibly can to turn our season around."
The Daily Telegraph
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I always thought we had no plan after Jamie Lyon, this just proves it. Absolutely disgraceful.