The beginning of July signalled the end of Matt Ballin’s Manly career. With Apisai Koroisau putting pen to paper on three-year deal, shifting from Penrith to Manly, Ballin was delivered a pinch and a punch from the club he has served so well over his career.
On July 30, Ballin revealed on Fox Sports News, when discussing the termination of Geoff Toovey’s contract, that he had been informed he wasn’t required for the 2016 season and beyond.
When asked “Has that [not being wanted] been voiced to you?” he responded, “Yeah it has. I’m fully aware of that.”
Despite Ballin’s opposition to leaving, it seems inevitable that he won’t be seen in a Manly jersey next year.
Now 31, Ballin would be seeking as much game time as possible in order to complete his career on a positive note. The club this occurs with is anyone’s guess, but could be one of…
Canberra Raiders
With Josh Hodgson the first-choice hooker at the club it is unlikely a play would be made for Ballin. However a player like Ballin wouldn’t hurt for a club that can only improve in the next few seasons.
Whether either Hodgson and Ballin would be prepared to rotate or play second fiddle to each other is another question.
Gold Coast Titans
Up until the signing of Nathan Friend, Ballin moving to the Titans would’ve seemed almost certain. The club hasn’t really had a permanent, performing hooker ever since Friend left, and due to the tackling machine’s age it could be argued that Ballin would be a better choice. At 34, Friend only has one season left and is looking for one last hurrah as a first-choice hooker before retirement.
It may be worth rotating both hookers next season before providing Ballin with a few more seasons, tutoring the club’s next up-and-coming hooker. He would also add experience to Kane Elgey and Ashley Taylor, the youngest halves pairing in the competition.
Ballin’s origins as a Queenslander may also be an incentive for him to sign at the club. This option remains a real possibility.
Newcastle Knights
If Toovey signs with the Knights, which looks unlikely yet possible, he may well bring Ballin with him. The Knights are currently undecided on who to take forward as their hooking option, with Tyler Randell and Adam Clydsdale both presenting potential.
Ballin may offer himself as a stop-gap solution as the club transitions, tutoring both 22-year-olds, enabling them to improve and drive Newcastle into the premiership force they intend to be.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
With Issac Luke going and Koroisau not returning, the Rabbitohs will be relying on the services of 21-year-old Cameron McInnes for 2016 and beyond. However, as McInnes rises in the hooking ranks, a lack of depth will surface within the club, and Ballin could be the solution.
This would definitely involve a process of rotation and again, whether Ballin is comfortable not playing 80 minutes remains the main issue.
It seems only four clubs are a reasonable options for Ballin, whose future could also be the English Super League. However, Ballin’s Origin and NRL experience would be invaluable to a club struggling as much as the Titans.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
This can't have been a lot of fun for Brad and Gutho!
Maika Sivo scored a hat-trick in his return to first-grade footy but a brain fade in the second half saw the Eels winger sent…
Nathan Brown has a new nickname. His Manly teammates were full of praise after igniting his side off the bench.
Tom Trbojevic admitted he might have overdone the sitcky spray after trying to plant the ball and getting the shock of his life when…
Maika Sivo was dumped to reserve grade and upon his return to the Eels against Manly, he scored a hat-trick before finding himself in…
Brad Arthur must wonder what he has to say to his team anymore. With his job under huge pressure, his Parramatta side managed to…
