Parra still after CRONK and talking have shown interest in STEVE MATAI

DESPITE being officially warned off by Melbourne, Parramatta suits are still making plenty of noise about poaching Cooper Cronk for next season.We've heard Eels boss Paul Osborne has ignored the Storm's terse reminder to desist from negotiations with Cronk, who is contracted to Melbourne for another three years.It's understood Osborne has continued talks with Cronk's management, who are no doubt captivated by the extra commission they could earn from the Eels' $500,000-a-year offer - a handsome hike from the halfback's current $350,000 salary.Melbourne, however, will not release Cronk under any circumstances - and we're also told he's got no intention of quitting the besieged Storm in their hour of need.The Eels were supremely confident of persuading Trent Barrett to defer his retirement last week - and were wrong-footed. Should the same scenario repeat with Cronk, Brett Kimmorley could again come into calculations - particularly given Osborne met the veteran's agent, George Mimis, yesterday afternoon.Kimmorley was expected to announce his future yesterday, but it's now understood that a decision won't be made for another week.***BIG-HEARTED Eels prop Justin Poore is back on the Rwanda trail, organising a harbour cruise to raise money for the country's genocide orphans.Poore will host the charity event on Wednesday night, 18 August, and has already locked in Aussie diva Christine Anu to perform.***IN OTHER signing news, Manly's Steve Matai is being chased by no fewer than four clubs. Off contract at the end of the year, the Kiwi Test centre has fielded interest from the Warriors, the Bulldogs, the Sharks and the Eels. With a rap sheet as long as the Sharks' premiership drought, the UK is not an option for the firebrand who would have little chance of securing a work visa.Source: The Daily Telegraph

Replies

Blue & Gold Blood July 27, 2010 at 3:02pm

we know we know
Eeldarado July 27, 2010 at 4:46pm

So is probably every other NRL club on the comp
David July 27, 2010 at 4:51pm

I do not want to see Matai in our team. Why would we chase a aggresive back who can't control himself and plays dirty and pay him a high amount of money when we could have spent it on Krisnan Inu who could have also been our future goal kicker. This is ridiculous. Come on Ozzy and Ando.
ZipZip July 27, 2010 at 5:47pm

God I hope we don't buy Matai - what a creep!
- Camo > ZipZip July 27, 2010 at 6:38pm
  
  I agree. Not a fan of Matai at all!!!
ColMac July 27, 2010 at 6:43pm

Matai is a grub. Why do we need another centre? He wouldnt like playing for Wenty all the time anyway.
YDIDISAYIDO July 27, 2010 at 7:13pm

I find it luaghable that the Storm has to warn off Parra.... what a load of BS... cap or not, Storm hold the aces when it comes to the renetion of players. They have stated they won't let Cronk so its the end of the story.
Bloomfield July 27, 2010 at 7:18pm

Say NO to Matai at Parra!
Seriously, we are an attacking team with a positive game plan. Our defense stands solid (when we're on our game) as it is. He's a liability, especially with his injury history. No Deal!
Stretchman July 27, 2010 at 7:31pm

Matai is the most dirtiest grub / cat & parasite of an individual that is not worthy to ever don the blue & gold jersey on his back and we should never, ever, ever him here even if he decides to play for Zero bucks!

This is not the type of vermin that we need to infiltrate our Club
Mawso July 27, 2010 at 7:49pm

imagine the up-roar from manly fans if matai came over here! Saying that we do it all the time.. Bloody hypocrites