Player news: Orford, Bell, Monaghan
& Anasta

Manly halfback Michael Monaghan may seek an early release from the NRL club if the Sea Eagles sign Melbourne playmaker Matt Orford.

Sea Eagles executive chairman Paul Cummings says the club made a formal offer to Orford and Storm teammate Steve Bell today in the hope of signing the pair in a package deal.

The recruitment of Orford will mean Monaghan will be shunted to hooker, a role he says he's not ready to take on. Monaghan says he'll weigh up his options if Manly snares Orford. But after re-signing with the club last month for an additional three years, Monaghan's only option appears to be asking for an early release from his contract.

Braith Anasta's manager Greg Willett says the New South Wales five-eighth will not begin negotiations with South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters until Monday at the earliest. Anasta will first concentrate on tonight's Origin decider in Brisbane and then the Bulldogs' NRL clash with New Zealand Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.

The Sydney Roosters are favoured to recruit Anasta, who has been forced to leave the Bulldogs because of salary cap constraints.