Manly signed Monaghan as a young up-and-coming half or 5/8 in 2004. From memory he was not considered a rising star, but was thought of as showing some promise. At the time his signing was a significant boost, because that's low our stocks had sunk.
He always tried his guts out and proved a tremendous competitor, if not a top-flight half. The team was improved with his addition, which helped to lure the next year a young rep quality forward in Kite and a busted old champion forward in Kennedy ... and we were heading for good times.
However, coach Hasler knew that Monaghan was not a halfback capable of taking us all the way, and he went all out to poach Orford from the Storm. Along the way this caused some furore as then part-owner Delmege pulled rank to get Monaghan re-signed.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/League/S...-the-Max-factor/2005/06/06/1117910241699.html
Monaghan had to move over, and ended up hooker, but continued to improve. Notable moments were his fantastic performance in that Cows finals match
@Peter C mentioned, and another game I recall when he won the match at the death with a chip and chase and Des Hasler said he pulled that move out of his 'arsenal'.
Some people thought he went in circles and couldn't cut it as an organiser but I liked him as a player and he played a big role in improving the team as it headed for glory. Tough, skilful, and wholehearted.