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.
Andy Sharpe
Roar Guru
What about Super League? Leeds Rhinos need a hooker now that Paul Aiton has signed for Catalans Dragons!!
Haz
Guest
It's a shame. I liked the mentoring relationship Ballin and Jayden Hodges seemed to have, and I was hoping Hodges would evolve in the next starting rake in a season or two, which would have given Ballin a chance to go out gracefully.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Ponderous hookers are out, Ballin is too slow. His forward pack has struggled but he just keeps shoveling it out to them and when he does run he doesn't make it very far. Knights don't need a mentoring hooker as they have Buderus there who was 10 times the player Ballin is. Sea Eagles aren't ripping up his contract, he'll still see every cent of it.
Tiger
Guest
Just take a leaf out of Ennis' book..go to another club and play better then you have played before.. Being unwanted by your club is a powerful motivator.. Newcastle would be a nice fit..
Brett
Guest
Agreed. Ballin is not at at Smith's level, my point was he is consistently in the top 5 rakes, and has been the number 2 QLD hooker. At least he wore the Maroon jersey once in 2010.
The Barry
Roar Guru
...and Queensland wouldn't have won 9 out of 10 origin series
Brett
Guest
If Smith was not an NRL player, Ballin would of been the QLD Hooker for the past decade. Any club would benefit from his experience and class.
Jamieson Murphy
Roar Guru
The Knights have a history of recruiting older players to play out their final days and mentor the younger ones...
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Make 20’s coach. Oh no, wait, his last name isn’t Fulton. Make him head of recruitment. No, can’t do that, his last name isn’t Fulton.
Kevin dustby
Guest
If I was him, I would go nowhere. He's got a contract
Razza
Guest
This is very hard to swallow, but i guess with the football team being owned by a private owner anything can happen and this is a great example and not good for rugby league. Matt Ballin has been the backbone of this great team for years and it will be hard to see him in other clubs colour's playing against the Eagles and being no fault of his own. The other players also have been hard done by and contracts today are only good for wiping your arse on by the looks of things, they are a joke and once signed they should be solid. Goodluck Matt wherever you go, i know your will bust your arse like you did for the Eagles, you show em mate and stick it up em. "GO THE EAGLES" - "we are coming to get you"
PLANKO
Guest
Lichaa has not set the world alight IMO either. They are missing Ennis.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
I would not be surprised if the Dogs make a sneaky bid to get him to belmore. Former coach des hasler, Lichaa obviously holds the position now but their backup hooker is josh reynolds. With Hodkinson going he's going to be in at 6 next year permanently and they don't have much replacements at hooker with that happening.