Michael Monaghan hasn’t played in the NRL since 2007, but his influence remains strong.
Monaghan will play for the Warrington Wolves on Thursday night in the Super League semi-final against Castleford Tigers. It could be his last game of rugby league ever, as he will retire at the end of this season.
The hooker/half hasn’t been sighted Down Under since the 2007 decider, when his Manly side went down to the Melbourne Storm in the grand final. It was a victory for the Storm that was later rubbed out due to salary cap infringements.
Since then Monaghan has been a star in Super League. Over 160 games in the UK, three Challenge Cup wins, two grand finals and a Lance Todd trophy in 2009 – there’s little the Canberran hasn’t done over there.
He has captained the Wolves and helped them become one of the top clubs in England during his seven-year stint. Warrington have been in the last two Super League grand finals in a row and are hoping for third time lucky this year. It would be a fitting end for a very talented player.
Tough, creative with the ball, smart, a strong defender and a leader, Monaghan has been a solid performer this season. He may be 34 but he’s still producing on the field. He could probably go round for another campaign but a bright future as a coach awaits him.
In the NRL Monaghan started with the Raiders in 2001 and switched to Manly in 2004. Sea Eagles fans should remember him fondly.
As Glenn Stewart mentioned this week, Monaghan helped build Manly’s vaunted culture.
The rake was one of the recruits, along with Ben Kennedy, Brent Kite, Matt Orford and others, who got the Brookvale boys back on top. Who helped them rebuild under Des Halser and set the platform for grand final success in 2008 and 2011.
He didn’t share in those triumphs but he certainly played an important role in laying the foundations for them, setting new standards and structures.
Able to play as both a nine and a seven, Monaghan was a big loss for Manly. Luckily for the maroon and white their hooking spot has been filled brilliantly by the durable and consistent Matt Ballin.
If Monaghan had stayed in Australia there’s little doubt he would have won trophies with the Sea Eagles. It wouldn’t have surprised if a NSW Origin jumper followed.
Instead he has enjoyed a great time in the UK and will pull up stumps with no regrets. Monaghan has been a success on both sides of the globe, a much valued leader and playmaker, something few other players can claim to have done.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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