More tension between Manly and NRL boss - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

More tension between Manly and NRL boss

By Joe Barton 12/05/2011 06:44:21 PM Comments (0)

Manly's simmering feud with NRL boss David Gallop refuses to die, with Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler pouring more fuel on it.

Following on from fullback Brett Stewart's celebration of his 100th try on Monday night against Canberra - when he pretended to ride a horse, an apparent play on Gallop's surname - Hasler took another cheeky shot on Thursday at the NRL chief.

"I think if it was a shot at Gallop, it was a very poor one. It looked like he was riding a motorbike more than anything," Hasler joked.

"And I honestly think if he was going to give it to David, he would've had the whip out as well."

The Sea Eagles remain furious at the league's treatment of Stewart, who was suspended for four games for abusing alcohol at the club's 2009 season launch, with Hasler again demanding an apology on behalf of the 26-year-old.

"While Brett has been vindicated at court level, in Brett's mind and in his backyard, for want of being theatrical, his soul hasn't been cleansed because the game hasn't apologised to him," Hasler said on Thursday.

"Until (there is an apology) ... life will go on."

When pressed on whether Manly's ongoing feud with the NRL would end with an apology from Gallop, Hasler said: "I don't know if it's as simple as that. That's what (Brett's) feeling, that's where it is at the moment. That's my view and it's a fairly objective view."

Gallop insisted Stewart would not receive any apology, maintaining the NRL was within its rights to suspend him for the first four rounds of the 2009 season.

"It's time they moved on. Brett Stewart was cleared by the court of a sexual assault charge, (but) the court did not clear him of anything else," Gallop told AAP.

"That is the start and finish of it.

"We are comfortable with the action we took against the player and the club."

Meanwhile, Manly are closing in on re-signing another brilliant outside back, with Hasler confirming he expects exciting youngster Will Hopoate to make a decision on his future in coming weeks.

The Manly Cove junior is weighing up offers from the Sea Eagles, Parramatta and the Bulldogs, while also considering whether to take a two-year hiatus from the NRL on a Mormon mission.

"The (City-Country) rep game last week probably held up (negotiations). I suspect they'll want to make a decision pretty soon," Hasler said on Thursday.

"We're still confident. This is his home. It's where he's grown up.

"(Hopoate is) an extremely intelligent young man who is quite aware of his own standing.

"For one so tender in years, he only turned 19 this year, he has a very good head on his shoulders and would take such matters quite seriously."

Co-captain Jason King remains in doubt with a rib injury for Monday night's clash with Gold Coast, while hooker Matt Ballin, who will play his 100th game, has missed training due to illness.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

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