Marc Herbert seeking greener pastures

Out-of-favour halfback Marc Herbert will leave Canberra at the end of the season in an attempt to revive his career and force his way back into the NRL.

Herbert confirmed yesterday his time in the capital was finished and The Canberra Times understands at least three clubs are vying for his signature for 2011.

The 23-year-old halfback will be one of four Raiders farewelled at the team's last home game of the season on Saturday night.

Retiring prop Scott Logan, Melbourne Storm-bound Troy Thompson and winger Brett Kelly will do a lap around Canberra Stadium after the Raiders clash with the North Queensland Cowboys.

However, Herbert won't get to wave goodbye to the Raiders fans, instead he'll be in Queensland playing with Souths Logan.

Despite being touted as the man capable of replacing Todd Carney at the end of 2008, Herbert has played just two NRL games this year.

He was axed from the top squad after playing the first game of 2010 and only earned a recall when Josh McCrone was injured.

The Canberra Times understands Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy was keen to recruit Herbert to replace Brett Finch as the Storm rebuilds next year.

But salary cap restrictions are likely to force the Canberra junior to chase a contract elsewhere.

"Luai inked what could ultimately be a $6 million, five-year deal but it's since emerged he has an option to leave the club after just two seasons. “He's got a clause next year that if he chooses he can pull out the following year, but he's shown no…"

Replies

David August 27, 2010 at 8:00am

Could Parra Sign Herbet?
Ricky August 27, 2010 at 8:03am

I haven't really seen too much of him, but that in which I have seen of him, he's been an average halfback at best.
He is still young, so he has time to build into a better player, but I don't think he is the sort of player that we need.
fpv eel August 27, 2010 at 8:03am

saw the game he was playing the other day for Souths Logan and he looked good... The only thing was he was playing five eighth so maybe thats a position he prefers. prpbably had to play half for canberra as campese likes five eigth.
Bourbon Man August 27, 2010 at 9:29am

If Josh McCrone is keeping him out of first grade, I don't think we should go anywhere near him!
Hugo August 27, 2010 at 2:32pm

No.
LegendTHECROWEELS August 27, 2010 at 2:35pm

No - If we dont get QC which I dont think we will I think we should start with Brad Murray @ 1/2 and Morts @ 5/8 next year. Try and build a team around these 2 young guns
1Eyed Eel August 27, 2010 at 2:41pm

No, again, the only reason you recruit a player like Herbert is if you're a Melbourne and if you've got a dominant partner in the halves. Absolutely no fit with our club.
Adam1969 August 27, 2010 at 2:58pm

I watched an interview with Kimmorley and he reckons that Parra should persist with Morts because he is the future halfback for the eels and noddy really rates young Morts. Noddy made a statement that Parra's halfback problem is right under their noses
in Morts. I tend to agree that Morts has got a future in 1st grade but he still needs an established half with him also to teach him the ropes over the next couple of years.
Blue & Gold Blood August 27, 2010 at 3:28pm

give him quades money! he will come. lol
My Captain, My Captain BLOGGER August 27, 2010 at 5:50pm

PASS big TIME !!!!