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Eels hero poised to join storm

Posted by Stuart on October 1, 2009 at 7:33am
Set to join the Storm...Eels lock Todd Lowrie. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: The Daily TelegraphTHEY will be his sworn enemies this Sunday. But in a remarkable Grand Final twist, Eels star Todd Lowrie has been thrown a career lifeline by Melbourne.The Daily Telegraph can reveal Parramatta's Grand Final opponents head a list of NRL clubs keen to sign Lowrie after salary cap restraints prevented the Eels from making an offer for the off-contract back-rower.It's understood he is very close to finalising a two-year deal with the Storm after several weeks of secret negotiations. Only 11th-hour interest from a number of rival NRL clubs is standing in the way.Not surprisingly, Lowrie was reluctant to discuss his future yesterday as he focuses on Sunday's decider."I've left it all in the hands of my manager until after the Grand Final so I don't want to say anything," Lowrie said."There are a few irons in the fire for next season which is good, but that's next year.Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.Vote Now:Should the NRL premiership prizemoney count towards the salary cap? Yes No Vote now End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar."We'll just see what happens after the weekend."All I know for certain is I won't be at Parramatta, which is disappointing. But I haven't signed anything yet."Sunday's Grand Final will be Lowrie's farewell appearance in blue and gold.After three seasons at the club, he has been squeezed out because there is no room left in the Eels' salary cap following the signing of big-name recruits Timana Tahu, Justin Poore and Shane Shackleton. "It really hasn't hit me yet but I suppose it will at some stage on Sunday night," Lowrie said."I would love to be staying because it's a good club and there's a special bunch of players here."I've also been given a great opportunity to play my best footy under Daniel (coach Anderson) and I reckon I have come a long way this season."But unfortunately for me, the club made some decisions with player recruitment early in the season which wasn't in my favour."That basically forced my hand to eventually start looking elsewhere before it was too late. It's disappointing the way it's worked out but, hopefully, I'll be leaving with a premiership ring as a reminder of my time here."With his playing future under a cloud mid-season and no genuine interest shown by rival clubs, Lowrie could easily have slipped through the cracks.Instead, he fought hard to save his career and his form over the past two months has been a revelation. So much so, he has kept outstanding talent Feleti Mateo on the bench for the finals.
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  • Dan_Ref October 1, 2009 at 7:54am
    wow, who would of thought i'd be disappointed in todd leaving us......
  • Nidge October 1, 2009 at 9:22am
    That's the business these days i s'pose. Sux but watta ya do?!
  • Djl October 1, 2009 at 10:01am
    farewell todd i wanted you out of the team a while ago but ur form has turned around beyond belief. Leaving eels with a premiership would be a great way to send you out all the best for the future buddy
  • Dan October 1, 2009 at 10:31am
    I guess this would mean Mateo plays 80 minutes at lock next season? I like him of the bench, but his presence on the field for the whole game would create a heap more opportunities.

    Best of luck for the future Todd. Great second half of the season.
  • Bosanac October 1, 2009 at 2:26pm
    Thank God he's finally gone.

    I have three heart attacks and a stroke every time I see him pass a ball.
    • Djl > Bosanac October 1, 2009 at 2:40pm
      he has been throwing lockyer like passed lately
  • husaveli October 1, 2009 at 3:27pm
    it will be really sad to see him leave man
  • Aaron Chapman October 1, 2009 at 4:10pm
    Good now we can sign Jason Cayless :)
  • EelMan October 1, 2009 at 5:41pm
    Does this mean we might have some coin for kinga now ?
  • Tinkerbell October 1, 2009 at 7:47pm
    NOOOOOOOOO!! I thought as much would be true. We simply do not have the coin to keep him. H

    owever, can I just congratulate Todd on his improvement this season. He will be sorely missed and I am pleased that at least other clubs are showing an interest.

    My final tribute will be to him this weekend - come say hello if you can spot me!
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