Kieran Foran, the hottest property on the open market, is poised to finalize a new three-year contract with Manly.
It has been reported that Foran’s manager, Paul Sutton, had extensive discussions with Manly officials on Wednesday afternoon, and an announcement is expected soon.
Foran had a clause in his contract allowing him to leave immediately if then-Manly coach Des Hasler vacated his position at Brookvale.
With Hasler now gone, there has been ongoing speculation that Foran might follow his former mentor to Belmore in 2013.
Reports indicate that Canterbury-Bankstown showed serious interest in Foran, but the New Zealand five-eighth has chosen to maintain his loyalty to the Sea Eagles.
The new deal offers Foran a significant financial upgrade.
With Foran’s decision to stay and Brett Stewart likely to re-sign, it appears that Manly will keep their key players for the future.
However, centre Steve Matai and second-rower Tony Williams are still without contracts for the upcoming season.
Williams seems likely to join either Parramatta or the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, Matai continues to negotiate with the club amidst ongoing speculation regarding interest from Cronulla.
by Buford Balony