Unsettled Manly forward Anthony Watmough has dismissed suggestions the Sea Eagles are a divided side heading into the NRL finals while refusing to be drawn on his future at club.
Watmough, who has been on a club-imposed media ban over the last few weeks, spoke publicly on Wednesday but would not answer questions regarding any negotiations he’s involved in with rival sides.
The back-rower is contracted to Manly through 2015 but has been granted permission to negotiate with other clubs for the 2016 season.
But he made it clear from the get go he was not going to elaborate on his contract situation.
“No comment,” he joked, before a question had yet to be asked.
“It’s been good just hiding in the wings.
“I’m here to talk about footy today.
“I don’t want to be rude to you guys but it’s a thing that my manager deals with and it’s my job to play footy so let’s just talk about that.”
Asked why he’d decided to break his silence on Wednesday, Watmough said it was important the side were united ahead Manly’s premiership tilt and downplayed any division within the ranks.
“It’s semi-final time and we’re moving towards something special so everyone has got to be on board,” he said.
“Everyone is always on board.
“We play tough each week and we play for one another so you can’t ask for anything more.”
Watmough has been at the centre of continued unrest at Brookvale over the departure of star back-rower Glenn Stewart, who will join South Sydney next year.
The NSW representative has been linked to a move to Parramatta, under former Manly assistant Brad Arthur, and Canterbury, under ex-Manly mentor Des Hasler.
Manly centre Steve Matai has requested a release from the final year of his contract in 2015 to join the Warriors on a big money move while Brett Stewart is another who has been linked to an exit from Brookvale next year, despite still being under contract.
Asked what he had to say to the fans who were concerned about the instability, Watmough vowed the side would give their all against North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday, where a win would secure Manly the minor premiership.
“We’ll come out and give them our best on Saturday up there. We’re looking forward to the semis,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get a win and finish in top spot.”
