Playing for your life; several off-contract at Manly
LEADING Manly NRL players face a season of increased scrutiny with a number of stars off contract at the end of the year. Anthony Watmough, Chris Hicks, Luke Williamson, Shayne Dunley, Glenn Stewart and Travis Burns will all be playing for new deals this season.
Manly CEO Grant Mayer admitted the six face added pressure to perform in 2007, starting with the club's opening trial encounter with the Melbourne Storm on February 24.
``The coaching group have got some tough decisions to make,'' Mayer said last night. ``But they won't be making any rash moves until they see the entire team perform starting with the trials. ``We are fortunate to have great depth with a couple of young kids already stepping up. It's a tough position to be in, but a healthy one. ``It's going to be a big year for a number of players with the coaching staff looking at all the players and making decisions regarding our 2008 squad.''
Hicks said he feels the heat already ahead of the Sea Eagles trial match against the Storm at Quad Park in Kawana Waters. ``It's there in the back of your mind,'' the speedy winger said yesterday. ``There always is that added bit of pressure. You don't want to get injured and miss games. But we are all professional athletes and you've got to put that aside and get on with the job.''
Williamson said the pressure can get to some players but the end scenario is pretty simple. ``If you don't perform, they don't really want you,'' the hard-working 29-year-old said. ``I try not to think about it too much as I've been in this situation a number of times before. I'd love to stay. It's a great club.''
Meanwhile, Sea Eagles stars Matt Orford and Steve Menzies were among five Manly players visiting central NSW towns yesterday as part of the NRL's Community Carnivals expedition.
