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Particularly close: Parramatta target Tony Williams and potential Roosters' transfer target Brett Stewart. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph
FLUSH with cash and desperate for some forward strike power, Parramatta will target Manly giant Tony Williams.
The Daily Telegraph has been told the Eels will join Canterbury and Cronulla in the rich chase for Williams, a free agent after this season.
Player agents last night said Williams - a Test and premiership-winning forward - could now command up to $400,000 a season.
The Eels bought some key backs for this year - including Chris Sandow and Willie Tonga - and sources say they will now look at bolstering their forward pack.
Chasing Williams might give despondent Parramatta fans something to feel good about after four successive losses to start the season.
Manly forward Darcy Lussick was the Eels' No.1 forward choice but that has suddenly become Williams - who ironically signed with the Sea Eagles from Parramatta in 2009. The rampaging forward has told friends he could well return home to the Eels for 2013.
The Eels, although having to contend with some back-ended deals, will have cash after this season amid speculation Nathan Hindmarsh may retire and the club may move on from Luke Burt, Shane Shackleton and Justin Poore.
Manly are ready for a fight to retain their star forward, who is serving a seven-match suspension for a dangerous throw.
Once back from suspension, Williams is poised to play some role in NSW's bid to break Queensland's six-year unbeaten State of Origin sequence.
The Sea Eagles are battling salary cap issues and may off-load one or more stars to accommodate increased deals for halves Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans.
Williams is particularly close to the Stewart brothers Brett and Glenn but money talks and it appears Parramatta is preparing for a strong crack at Williams.
Who leaves Manly remains to be seen. Williams and Brett Stewart appear to be the two most discussed, the Manly fullback reportedly in talks with the Sydney Roosters.
Roosters management is still to determine the future of champion fullback Anthony Minichiello.
Yesterday at Roosters training, winger Sam Perrett threw his full support behind Minichiello.
"Mini is unreal," Perrett said. "He brings a lot of energy and experience to the team. He's safe as houses at the back and we all feel confident when he is out there at the back.
"He's a big part of the team and the culture we have and I would love to see him stay."
Meanwhile Graham Murray is unaware of talk he could become Parramatta's assistant coach.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ed-list-for-2013/story-e6frexnr-1226311804763
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