Bell ready for ring a ding 2008

Skyhunter · Last edited by Skyhunter on Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:26 pm; edited 1 time in total

Jason Avedissian

1 February 2008

OFF contract Manly centre Steven Bell has earmarked the 2008 NRL season as the biggest of his career as he attempts to secure a new deal at the club.

The 31-year-old Queensland back joined the Sea Eagles in 2006 on a three season deal which expires this year.

During his time at the club, Bell has comfortably settled into Manly's backline, making his Origin debut with the Maroons in 2006. It is believed Bell is being targeted by rich English clubs keen to secure the representative centre.

But now as he enters his eighth season in the NRL, the consistent Maroon has spoken of his desire to remain at Brookvale and ensure the Sea Eagles can go one better than last year's disappointing grand final loss to Melbourne.

"It's a big year for me, being off contract," Bell said.

"I'd love to stay in Manly.

"But it's up to me to play some good football. The main thing is to get off to a good start and play some good footy again."

When asked if he would consider moving to England to accept the lure of big money, Bell said:

"You have to weigh things up.

"We'll have to wait and see ... it's the last thing on my mind at the moment. The first thing is to get through (pre-season) training and get Manly off to a good start."

Sea Eagles CEO Grant Mayer said Bell has been a wonderful servant for Manly over the past three seasons but said it was "too early" to discuss 2009 contracts.

"He's been an invaluable acquisition since he joined the club," Mayer said last night.

"Certainly, he's added a lot to the backline and the club in general.

"But it's far too early to be talking about 2009.

"I'm encouraged to hear that he has so much faith in our club and would like to remain."

Source: http://www.manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/02/01/8526_sports.html

Skyhunter · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 1:11 am Post subject:

I would like to see Steve Bell stay at Manly i think he still has a alot to give to the club.