Manly star Anthony Watmough has agreed to join Parramatta on a three-year deal from 2016 but could arrive earlier if granted a release from the Sea Eagles.
Watmough is contracted to the 2013 grand finalists for next season but is keen to get out as soon as possible, although it remains to be seen if the Sea Eagles will be prepared to let him go.
The NSW and Australian forward remains disappointed with the treatment of friend and teammate Glenn Stewart, who wasn't tabled an offer to remain at Brookvale next season. Stewart will instead join South Sydney.
Watmough has a strong relationship with Eels coach Brad Arthur from their time together at Manly last year and believes the blue-and-golds are a team on the rise. His signing with the Eels comes despite Manly's attempts to re-sign him on a two-year deal.
There has been a well publicised falling out between Watmough and Manly teammate Daly Cherry-Evans, ironically another signing target for the Eels. The chances of the Maroons playmaker also making the shift to Parramatta are now remote.
Watmough is on a heavily back-ended contract for next year worth almost $1 million. Parramatta have been attempting to clear out a number of players deemed surplus to requirements in order to free up salary cap space should Watmough be available to leave early. That could depend on whether the Eels and their arch rivals can agree on a
payout figure for next season.
Watmough has been outspoken about his disappointment with aspects of Manly's management in recent times, prompting powerbrokers to slap a media ban on him. It was briefly lifted last week, although he refused to comment on his future or relationship with management.
The Eels believe they are just one quality back and forward short of being a legitimate premiership contender and have now ticked one of those boxes. Last year's wooden spooners were the big improvers in 2014 but fell one win short of the finals when they lost to Canberra on Saturday night.
The development is further bad news for a Manly side which has been decimated by injuries ahead of Friday night's clash with South Sydney.
While Manly are entitled to enforce the final year of Watmough's contract, they may decide it is better to release a player who doesn't want to be there rather than risk further division in the playing ranks.
UPDATE
Choc has come out denying the signing, But so did Ricky and many others, so make of it as you will.
Replies
Also found this at the telle, only small but,
FED-UP Manly officials are poised to withdraw a $1.2 million contract extension offer to Anthony Watmough, who has been at the centre of unprecedented player unrest this week at Brookvale.
Still no say on next year, but i guess if he gets his release this guarantees he is coming here.
Can a someone update the title of this click-bait from the SMH, to clarify that it's from 2016 onward, not next year?
There you go.
x2.
I'm putting it out there, not happy that it's from 2016. By 2016 Parra's current forwards will be better than Choc! Choc is always injured and suspended. Waste of money on a 3 year deal and he will be washed up by 2016.
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