Kennedy impressed with Manly set
up

After Sea Eagles Test forward Ben Kennedy met his new team mates he gave the thumbs up for Manly's new state of the art training headquarters at the Academy of Sport.

"This is amazing - I have been here before with the Newcastle Knights for a weekend camp but to have the complex as our everyday training centre is just outstanding," Kennedy said.

Kennedy recently arrived back in Australia and said he couldn't wait to get back to his family.

"I will never get tired of representing my country but I won't tour anymore - I can't wait to get in a Manly jersey and get stuck into 2005 with my new club.

"I met most of the players today and I like the size of the group and the good mixture of experience and exciting young talent," Kennedy said.

Kennedy was amazed at the fitness of veteran centre Terry Hill.

"He looks fantastic - he is fresh, has dropped heaps of weight and is excited at the prospect of playing in such a young side."

Kennedy is looking forward to spending a few weeks with his family before commencing training with the NRL squad in the first week of January.

He looked in excellent shape and said he had no problems on the tour of England and France with any injuries.

"I'm just delighted to be home - I missed my family and want to spend some time with them relaxing before starting on my new career with the Sea Eagles. To be honest I haven't been this excited about a new season for a long time." Kennedy said.

Head coach Des Hasler says he doesn't want to see Kennedy until the new year.

"He is a professional - he will turn up in the first week of January ready to play his role in the side."

"His team mates are excited at the prospect of playing in the same side as him and that has given the place a real buzz," Hasler said.