Heart's at Manly PDF Print E-mail
Written by Daniel   
Friday, 06 January 2006 10:00

ADAM LUCIUS
02jun06

[b]VETERAN Manly forward Steve Menzies has revealed he put loyalty ahead of a massive pay increase in turning down an offer from English club Hull to play out his career at Brookvale. [/b]

Menzies admitted former Manly coach Peter Sharp, now in charge of Hull, had made him a sizeable offer to finish his career in the UK Super League.




But after 14 seasons and 299 games in the maroon and white, the 32-year-old simply couldn't walk away from the only club he's known and signed a new two-year deal.

"I wanted to consider it (England) - I didn't want to brush it to one side and in a couple of years be disappointed I didn't consider it," Menzies said yesterday.

"The offer was attractive, especially when you put it in (English) pounds. But the heart spoke more than the money.

"This is where my heart is and this is where I wanted to stay.

"That's the decision I made and I'm very happy. To stay was an easy decision in the end."

Menzies, who will play his 300th game against Penrith at CUA Stadium on Sunday, also conceded this year may be his last in representative football.

"I'll have a chat with the club at end of the year about it," he said.

"It hasn't affected me at the moment (but) if it starts to affect my club football then I would give it away.

"If I get to play these next two (Origin) games my body will tell me whether playing (rep football next year) is a good thing for the club or not."

Meanwhile, Manly are expecting Penrith half-back Craig Gower to make a shock return on Sunday.

Gower had knee surgery after a training mishap involving Menzies on the eve of State of Origin I and wasn't expected back for at least another week.

"I think he'll play and I hope he does," Menzies said.

"It was unfortunate what happened and I hope he doesn't miss any more football."

Sunday's match is of huge significance for Gower, who may be able to force his way back into the NSW side.