Manly remain hopeful of signing Trent Hodkinson amid salary cap dramas
MANLY CEO Lyall Gorman has confirmed the Sea Eagles remain hopeful of signing Trent Hodkinson to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves this season.
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MANLY CEO Lyall Gorman has confirmed the Sea Eagles remain hopeful of signing Trent Hodkinson to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves this season.
Hodkinson’s mooted move to Brookvale hit a roadblock prior to Christmas due to the club’s third party salary cap issues.
It’s understood Manly are ready to offer the former NSW Origin half a contract, but they won’t be given the green light until the NRL is satisfied that their cap dramas have been resolved.
The Sea Eagles were granted an extension to the customary five-day appeal process after the breach notice was issued on December 11 and have until the end of January to file their submission.
Until then, the NRL Integrity Unit is able to complete its investigation it is unlikely any new contracts will be registered.
Manly announced former Dragons forward Joel Thompson on a two-year deal in December, but the contract won’t be approved until the club can prove it is cap compliant for the 2018 season.
The NRL Integrity Unit will resume in mid-January and it’s understood Manly’s response to the breach notice won’t be received at NRL headquarters until just before the deadline.
After releasing Blake Green to the Warriors on a three-year deal and missing out on Mitchell Pearce, the Sea Eagles are desperate to land an experienced half to play alongside Cherry-Evans.
Gorman said Hodkinson remained on the club’s radar, while the playmaker’s manager David Riolo also revealed Manly were still a chance.
It comes as Hodkinson resumed training with Newcastle this week.
Knights officials expect the veteran halfback to honour the final season of his contract in 2018 if his deal with Manly falls through.
Originally published as Manly remain hopeful of signing Trent Hodkinson amid salary cap dramas
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