Manly ready to talk to Monaghan

The Michael Monaghan drama will take an unexpected and dramatic twist with Manly poised to offer the spurned halfback a three-year contract during a secret meeting.

The League Correspondent has been told a high-powered meeting will occur today between Monaghan, his manager Jim Banaghan, Manly coach Des Hasler and Sea Eagles executive chairman Paul Cummings.

Sources close to Monaghan last night revealed a press conference has tentatively been booked for this afternoon where it is expected the Manly captain will sign a new deal estimated to be worth about $240,000 a season.

The anticipated deal represents an amazing turn-around after the club and player were locked in harsh disagreement over the weekend.

On Saturday, Manly released a statement claiming Monaghan would not be offered a new deal.

The player retaliated yesterday by declaring Manly had been "gutless" through the on-going contract ordeal. Manly is seething at Monaghan's public comments, which will be also discussed at today's meeting.

Hasler and Cummings met yesterday to discuss the situation.

"We were bitterly disappointed about what has been said," Cummings said. "The situation has become out-of-control. I don't want to say any more."