Roosters deny O'Meley signing
By Steve Jancetic
April 04, 2007
SYDNEY Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan tonight denied reports Mark O'Meley had signed with the National Rugby League club for next season, his manager claiming there were still three clubs in line for the Bulldogs and Test prop's services beyond 2007.
The rumour mill went into overdrive late today with reports O'Meley had agreed to a three year, $1.2 million deal with the Roosters, but Canavan said nothing had been finalised.
"He has not signed - it's been denied by the manger, it's been denied by the player," Canavan said.
"His manager (Wayne Beavis) will go back to the Canterbury club to have further discussions.
"We definitely haven't signed him. We're in (the hunt to sign him) but we're not the only ones."
Cronulla are also believed to be in the frame for the off-contract enforcer, who will miss Friday night's clash against South Sydney after picking up a one-match suspension for kneeing Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince in Sunday's match at Telstra Stadium.
O'Meley has been in terrific form for the Dogs and his departure would be a devastating blow for the Bulldogs following the loss of representative duo Roy Asotasi and Nate Myles last season.
The Roosters are desperate to build up their front row stock with veteran duo Chris Beattie and Danny Nutley signed this year nothing more than a stop gap solution.
The Bondi Junction club has struggled to hold its own forwards during the opening three rounds of the season and is fast emerging as one of the favourites for the wooden spoon after an 0-3 start.
Beavis said it was now a race in three for O'Meley's signature.
"I've spoken to the Bulldogs, I've got one other club that has to finalise something and then I'll talk to the Roosters again," Beavis said.
"The Roosters are well and truly in the frame, but I can guarantee one million per cent that nothing has happened.
"I don't know where all the speculation that he has signed has come from.
"We're hoping to be in a position next week to finalise something."
AAP