Nutley keen for a return to Sharks
by Josh Massoud
363 words
12 April 2008
Daily Telegraph
THE coaches' turn on the annual NRL merry-go-round is almost up -- now it's time for the players to step aboard.
And the first candidate appears to be veteran prop Danny Nutley, who is currently eying a mid-season transfer from the Roosters to
the Sharks.
Unlikely to get an NRL start behind a backlog of quality front-rowers at Bondi, Nutley recently sounded out his former club about an immediate return.
The 34-year-old's manager Wayne Beavis last night confirmed he had held preliminary talks with Sharks officials.
``There's been an informal inquiry at this stage,'' Beavis said.
``The Roosters have a few front-rowers at the moment -- the Paeas, Myles, Mason, O'Meley, Shillington and Shackleton.
``I don't want to see Danny miss out. I want to see him playing first grade.''
The Sharks appear the logical place for him, given the sudden shortage of big men in the shire.
Ben Ross and Paul Gallen are still suspended, while a torn anterior cruciate has ended Reece Williams' season.
Sharks directors considered Nutley's approach at a board meeting on Tuesday night.
The Saturday Daily Telegraph understands they are keen to oblige, not least of all because Nutley's services are being offered at an affordable rate.
``There's been a request, but nothing more at this stage,'' Sharks CEO Tony Zappia said.
``We do have a few forwards out, so we are interested in looking at it.
``Danny has played at the club before and lives in the area, so it wouldn't be a big change.''
A final decision, however, has been delayed for at least another week. Nutley was forced to rush back to Brisbane this week to visit his injured father, who was struck in the head by a horse.
Even if he is not granted a release, the 134-game battle axe is at long-odds to play for the Roosters before State of Origin.
Roosters CEO Brian Canavan revealed the club had planned to use Nutley as a back-up to its representative stars.