from the Sydney Boring Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/06/1089000158499.html?oneclick=true
Manly want Monaghan's decision before Tahu gets away
By Brad Walter
July 7, 2004
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Canberra centre Joel Monaghan has been given until today to accept an offer from Manly amid fears within the Sea Eagles camp that Newcastle's Timana Tahu is headed to Parramatta for a massive deal worth up to $400,000 a season.
Manly officials spoke with the managers of both players yesterday but are understood to have made a formal offer only to Monaghan, although further talks are scheduled for today with Tahu's agent, Daryl Mather.
Having last night missed out on South Sydney halfback Joe Williams, who is expected to remain at Redfern next season, the Sea Eagles have not ruled out the possibility of signing Monaghan and Tahu - but that seems to be a remote possibility.
Tahu, Mather and the Test winger's fiancee, Kasey, yesterday met Knights football manager Mark Sargent and agreed to wait until coach Michael Hagan returns from the Queensland Origin camp tomorrow before making any decision on his future.
But Sargent was unable to make any improvement on Newcastle's latest offer, believed to be about $220,000 per season, and there seems little prospect of the club retaining the 23-year-old father of three beyond this season.
Should Monaghan, who is also considering offers from the Eels, Roosters and Raiders, fail to come to terms with Manly today, the Sea Eagles may then go all out to sign Tahu by increasing their offer.
"Joel has received an offer from Manly that he is currently considering," said Monaghan's agent, Jim Banaghan. "We are also talking to Parramatta and the Roosters and, of course, Canberra, with a view to making a decision on Thursday or Friday. But one of those clubs has become very eager for a decision and have expressed that to us."
Manly executive director Paul Cummings said last night the club had asked for an answer by today.
Meanwhile, the Eels are also understood to be keen on North Queensland back-rower Glenn Morrison, who told the Cowboys last week that he would be playing elsewhere next season.
Wests Tigers are also interested in Morrison but Bradford are favourite to sign him.
In other contract news, North Queensland yesterday announced the signing of Bulldogs five-eighth Johnathan Thurston on a three-year deal believed to be worth more than $750,000.
Bulldogs skipper Steve Price is expected to make a decision on his future after tonight's Origin match, with the Warriors firming as favourites for his signature.
Price's wife, Jo, yesterday returned from a four-day trip to Auckland, during which she reportedly inspected blocks of land near the beach at Kumeu, north-west of the city.
The Warriors seem less likely to snare Kiwis Test captain Ruben Wiki, however, with Wigan and St Helens strongly linked with the 31-year-old Canberra second-rower.
Knights hooker Michael Ennis will tomorrow decide between offers from St George Illawarra and Brisbane.
The Raiders are believed to be interested in Penrith centre Paul Whatuira, while the Cowboys have held talks with Broncos forward Carl Webb.
And goalkicking Wests Tigers winger Luke Covell is set to sign with Cronulla, who are yet to make offers to veteran fullback David Peachey, former Queensland Origin prop Chris Beattie or suspended five-eighth Greg Bird.
