Kennedy set to sign with Manly

Manly are expected to announce the signing of representative forward Ben Kennedy later today.

It?s understood Kennedy has agreed to terms with the club after Newcastle gave him permission to negotiate with other clubs before the June 30 anti-tampering deadline.

Kennedy is expected to sign a two-year deal and is likely to play out the remainder of his career with the club.

Kennedy returns from injury for Newcastle against the North Queensland Cowboys this weekend, and will captain the side.

Knights coach Michael Hagan says the side will do it tough without its State of Origin stars, but still expects his side to come away from Townsville with a victory.

?We will certainly miss Bedsy (Danny Buderus), Gids (Matthew Gildey) and T (Timana Tahu) but we have some in-form players coming into those key positions and the addition of Robbie O?Davis and Ben Kennedy will certainly help,? Hagan said.

Manly are likely to announce Kennedy?s signing later today.