"Fultons OK"- Arthurson

Manly supremo Ken Arthurson has defended the Eagles' decision to bring former coach Bob Fulton back into the fold as a consultant despite his return already creating rumblings within the National Rugby League club.

Arthurson revealed yesterday he and chief executive Ian Thomson had approached the premiership-winning coach with a view towards tapping into his vast array of contacts in the game.

But his return has prompted rumours Fulton - a national selector and one of league's six Immortals - would eventually replace coach Peter Sharp.

Arthurson hit back at the innuendo last night, denying anyone's position was under threat and claiming the Eagles would be mad not to use Fulton in some capacity.

"All I have ever heard about it is that Sharp's position is under threat, the chief executive's position is under threat," Arthurson, the Manly Leagues Club president, said.

"I'll give you my word of honour that...nobody is under threat."

Fulton has already helped the club by acting as a go-between for the Eagles' approach to disgruntled Cronulla half Preston Campbell, who met with Sharp yesterday.

The Dally M Player of the Year has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs, but will not be released until the Sharks have re-signed Brett Kimmorley.

That's considered a formality and it is understood Campbell will make a decision on his future by the end of the week.

"We had a chat and we'll see what happens in the next three to four days," Sharp said.

But Fulton's approach to Campbell is believed to have upset some within the Eagles bunker, with suspicions the former Test coach will attempt to set up a powerbase.

"I asked him to see if he could get in touch with Preston Campbell to see if he was interested in playing with Manly," Arthurson said.

"He only got in touch with Campbell because I asked him to.

"He's (Fulton) the best player the club has ever had and an icon in the game.

"I can't believe that anybody would be under the misapprehension that he is a threat to take over the club.

"He hasn't asked for an official position and he won't be given an official position. He wouldn't want one."