Cleal released to join South Sydney

The Manly Sea Eagles today granted a release to 22-year-old forward Kane Cleal to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Cleal's accountant Peter Tracey recently sought a release from Manly in a bid to further Cleal's career in the NRL.

Manly CEO Pat Wilson said Cleal was given permission for his management to test the market after the young backrower felt he could get better opportunities to progress his ambition to play NRL on a more frequent level with another club.

"Kane has expressed high regard to the Manly club for the professional manner in which his request for a release has been administered” Wilson said. Cleal has played 14 NRL matches with the Sea Eagles after making his debut against Canberra in 2004.

As a result of negotiations this week the Manly club was approached by South Sydney with a firm offer and as of today Kane Cleal has been released to the Rabbitohs. Cleal will be available to play for South Sydney from this weekend.

In other news this week;

Coach Des Hasler has stuck with the same line-up that defeated the Sharks with the exception of Steve Matai for Paul Stephenson who was ruled out last week with injury. Stephenson is named at 18.

Manly team for the Sydney Roosters clash this Saturday night is:

Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, Chris Hicks, Travis Burns, Matt Orford, Jason King, Michael Monaghan, Brent Kite, Steve Menzies, Anthony Watmough, Ben Kennedy (c).

Interchange: Shayne Dunley, Luke Williamson, Adam Cuthbertson, Mark Bryant, Paul Stephenson (one to be omitted).