Manly, City square up in fight for Fittler

in SydneyTHREE Sydney clubs are locked in battle for the signature of the hottest property in Australian rugby league - Test skipper Brad Fittler. Fittler is committed to quit his club Penrith, who have joined Super League, leaving ARL clubs Manly, Sydney City and Parramatta to joust it out for his signature.

And the fight is being keenly watched by league officials on both sides of the Super League fence. If Fittler goes to Sydney City or Manly, which seems highly likely, Super League will declare the move as a propaganda victory.

Many of the clubs who are joining Super League point out that persistent player raids by these two clubs was a major reason for making the switch.

Ironically, battling Parramatta have offered Fittler far more money than the other two rivals for his signature. But Fittler is not keen on the Eels because of their poor premiership record in recent years. The Test star is favoured to go to Sydney City because of his strong friendship with Roosters and former Penrith coach Phil Gould.

Manly, coached by Test mentor Bob Fulton, are believed to be making a late bid to sway the brilliant utility player. 'It's a hard decision and I have to weigh a lot of things up,' said Fittler. 'I don't want to rush into it and will make a decision soon with my manager.' Meanwhile, the Roosters have dropped out of the race to sign Fittler's Penrith and Australian teammate Matt Sing. The classy centre/winger was made an attractive offer by the Roosters, but failed to respond before the given deadline.