Manly paying premiership price

Peter Cassidy | 18/11/08 | 0

The Manly Sea Eagles are about to pay the price for their 2008 success, with salary cap restrictions expected to rob them of one of their grand final wingers.

Reports suggest the club will be forced to release either Michael Robertson - who bagged a hat-trick in Manly's grand final win over Melbourne - or David 'Wolfman' Williams - who has represented Australia in the World Cup.

While both are still contracted for one more season, it's predicted they’ll be chasing figures around $200,000 a season from 2010.

Robertson's manager Steve Gillis has already met with Sea Eagles management and insists his client's experience is worth the investment.

"He can play full-back or wing and was close to winning the Clive Churchill Medal," Gillis told News Ltd.

"I don't think he was too far away from selection in the Australia side.

"Michael is a marquee player."

Manly boss Grant Mayer admits the club is facing an uphill battle to retain the stars of their 2008 premiership team.

"No doubt we have some challenges ahead of us with the salary cap," Mayer told News Ltd.

"We have had preliminary discussions with both managers.

"I'm sure in the next few weeks things will become a lot clearer.

"At this stage there is no firm offer on the table.

"Success on the field certainly complicates things for clubs.

"That is why it is very difficult for any club to win back-to-back premierships these days."

That is why it is very difficult for any club to win back-to-back premierships these days... Manly boss Grant Mayer