The writing is on the wall for Matt Ballin but he says he’s going to dig his heels in after being told he’s unwanted at Manly next year.
The veteran hooker on Thursday confirmed he was one of 14 players that has reportedly been told by Sea Eagles management that he was surplus to requirements for the 2016 NRL season.
When asked on Fox Sports if the Sea Eagles had told him he was not wanted, Ballin said: “Yeah it has. I’m fully aware of that.
“I disagree with what their reasons are for it, and I’m going to stand up for what I believe in and what I think is best for the club and myself.
“I decided to stay with the club at the start of the year when things weren’t good, and I wanted to make the club a better place.
“I still hold that same belief and nothing has changed for me.”
It’s a massive about-face for the club after re-signing the two-time premiership-winning No.9 to a two-year contract extension in April.
The words of chief executive Joe Kelly have come back to bite him. At the time of Ballin’s re-signing he expressed his delight that Ballin would end his NRL career as a one-club player.
“He is a truly valued clubman and ambassador. We are thrilled to see him extend, knowing that he will finish his NRL career at the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles,” Kelly said in a club statement.
Having played 213 games for the silvertails, Ballin is considered one of the club’s favourite sons.
But at 31-years-old it seems he has fallen victim to a pending clean out of the club.
Questions were raised about Ballin’s stay at Brookvale when Penrith agreed to release back-up rake Apisai Koroisau from the final year of his deal to link with Manly next season.
Following this week’s long-anticipated sacking of coach Geoff Toovey, chairman Scott Penn ignited speculation a player cleanout was on the cards, indicating there would be further changes at Brookvale ahead of the 2016 season when new mentor Trent Barrett arrives.
Last week Manly guaranteed the future of captain Jamie Lyon, but stopped short of offering the same commitment to other players reportedly set to be dumped in the summer, including Luke Burgess, Feleti Mateo, Willie Mason and Justin Horo.
Qldted
Guest
Just confirms why I won't be a member again until 'The Bunny' CEO and the Penns have left this great club! Just want to know 'Whats the inner workings of Phil Goulds chocolate soldiers and ex player/coach come mentor Carty to assist Barrett coming to Manly next year? What's Goulds future plans for Penrith? Is it to tap into the winning culture at Manly then bring that knowledge & experience back to Penrith in a few years!? I have my suspicions
Haz
Guest
Yeah, I'm really curious about the decision to sign Koroisau. From what I've seen this year, it's seemed to me that the long-term succession plan was Jayden Hodges at hooker. He doesn't have Ballin's workrate (yet!) but he's giving it a go, and has a lot of guile. They've already played a couple games with Ballin/Hodges, and another year or two in development would see Jayden as a starting #9. It's clear Manly are happy to bring some people along as "projects"--Tom Trobjevic and Gutherson (both Australian schoolboy fullbacks) might be starting at other clubs, but there'll be a long apprenticeship with Brett Stewart handing over the reins... eventually.
PLANKO
Guest
Maybe Mals but 4 weeks off and contract with a nice sum on could rebuild him. Plus Newcastle is a nice place if you have a job.
Mals
Guest
Planko - that's why I think Ballin will stay at Manly and stick it up club management. He has a contract for 2016-17 and intends to honour it, whether that is playing in the NRL side or NSW Cup. Toovey will not coach the Knights or any other NRL club in 2016, he's burnt out from a shocking year of trying to hold the team together and facing endless issues from incompetent club management.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
Could see this bloke being a fantastic addition to any club in Sydney. Souths could snap him up with the loss of Luke and he could be used as a back-up type utility much like Ryan Hinchcliffe has been used by the storm.
PLANKO
Guest
They have Ballin by the shorts he would have signed for little with his PT business being based on the NB. I think he may stay but Newcastle may like Toovey cause he could be some very reasonable players with him.
maximillian
Guest
How much say has Barrett had in this, if any? I guess if he's the coach next season then he should get the team he wants? If he doesn't want Ballin next year then I can understand his release. He's a quality player though so I can think of a few others Id be releasing before putting him on the chopping block.
The eye
Guest
of course coach toovey is part of the deal and littlejohn if hes interested..
The eye
Guest
the knights could certainly use some starch in the middle if manly sponsors him..not that far up the highway..ditto feleti..club erred badly in letting adam cuthbertson go..
Tom G
Guest
Ballin is paying a high price for his loyalty to Toovey. Manly would be wise to stop the hurting and honour their commitment to this bloke. They have plenty of others that deserve to be in a cull including the vastly overrated Burgess who is evidently from the shallow end of that gene pool. Maybe they could also save a few bucks by getting rid of the ex Souths accountant who is about as much use as an ashtray on a bicycle
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Earn a nice two years cash playing a little cruisey lower grades Matty and build that PT business stronger with the extra time you'll have just to spite this nasty board the club has