Broadhurst cleared to play in Sydney

Press, 26 February 1981, Page 28

Broadhurst cleared to play in Sydney

By

JOHN COFFEY

Mark Broadhurst, , an outstanding front-row forward in. New Zealand’s last 16 rugby league tests has been cleared to accept a three-year contract with the Manly-Warringah club in Sydney. Confirmation that agreement had been reached between the New Zealand Rugby League and Manly-. Warringah' officials was’ passed ort to Broadhurst yesterday, .ending, * weeks ofanxiouswaitingforthe strapping -Marist-Westem Suburbs and Canterbury prop. ‘ A * ■' ' r , ' i ' '' ■" • “Naturally, I am delighted,” Broadhurst said,

“It had dragged on for so long that I did not really know whether I would get away at all.” * Although the loss of Broadhurst will be a blow ’to his club and province, it is heartening that he will be available to represent New Zealand in tests until the end of the 1983 season. > “I am very keen to continue playing for the Kiwis,” Broadhurst said. New - Zealand’s immediate international commitments are the home series against France in June and a tour of Australia next’year. ' •' Broadhurst believes that

standards, and therefore be of benefit to New Zealand. He Expects that the release, clause* in; his contract would apply only: for tests, rather than the whole of , the 1982 Australian tour. When Broadhurst originally had discussions with Manly-Warringah his intention <■ was to sign on only for 1981. But an agreement that he had with the New Zealand Rugby League required him to ; remain in this country for the home season, and it was soon evident that Manly-Warring-rh would have to buy out that contract,

It Is not usual for the amount of the negotiating fee to be made public, but it would be most surprising if it was not at least as much as the $23,000 which was placed on the head of Broadhurst’s Kiwi team-mate, Mark Graham. Because that amount of money was at stake, Btoadhurst.and the ManlyWarringah secretary (Mr Ken Arthurson) had. to revise their thoughts and agree to an initial threeyear term. The delay in concluding the agreement means that Broadhurst will start behind his rivals in seeking a place in the first

grade line-up, of a ManlyWarringah squad. which includes 11 present or former internationals. Manly-Warringah has already had two trials in country areas and the Sydney : pre-season competition starts next Saturday. But Broadhurst, his wife, Anne and baby daughter < will. .not leave., Christchurch until March 7. “I guess the first thing, they will want to judge is my fitness,” said Broadhurst, who has kept in training since his return from the Kiwi tour of Britain and France in December,