NRL legends contemplate futures

The tribute dinner is already planned, but Manly officials will give stalwart Steve Menzies as long as he wants to decide if the gathering becomes a farewell.

Menzies is halfway through his 15th season in the NRL and even at the age of 34 and after 334 first grade games there remains some hope, albeit unlikely, he could play another season.

While Menzies is believed to be leaning towards retirement, Sea Eagles chief executive Grant Mayer says the door remains open for “Beaver” to continue in 2009.

Mayer says just because Manly are organising a tribute evening for Menzies, set for August 21, it didn’t mean it was a club push towards retirement or an indication of what the player planned to do.

“Let’s not pre-empt Beaver’s decision. Doing that is disrespectful to Beaver,” said Mayer.

“(But) I know for a fact he is more about getting out one year early than one year too late.”

Menzies’ manager Wayne Beavis insists the ageless former Test and NSW star will make a decision in the coming weeks about whether to retire, seek another year with Manly or venture to England for one last season.

“I spoke to him about it yesterday and he said he would leave it for another two or three weeks,” said Beavis.

“He is fit. He is happy and playing good footy and has been very good for them with his versatility to fill a number of roles for Manly.

“He is an absolute marvel.”

Meanwhile another of the NRL’s ageing superstars, Roosters forward Craig Fitzgibbon, is adamant he wants another year and has opened talks with the club about a deal for 2009.

There were reports earlier this year that the club was trying to steer Fitzgibbon off the paddock and into their own office staff, but chief executive Brian Canavan says the Roosters will accommodate the 31-year-old’s desire for another season.

“Out of respect to Fitzy we were always going to let him make his own decision in his own time,” said Canavan.

“We always had an open dialogue with him. If he wanted to play on we would welcome that very much. If he wanted to retire we would respect that decision.

“At this stage he wishes to play on.”