National Rugby League side Manly Sea Eagles Chair & Majority Owner Scott Penn refuted suggestions the club's move to sign Des Hasler as coach has been motivated by a desire to make the Sea Eagles "more attractive to potential buyers," according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. While Penn declined to discuss the status of negotiations with Hasler, he "vehemently dismissed fresh claims that the club was on the market." In a further sign of his family's commitment to Manly, Penn confirmed it is "poised to inject a significant amount" of its own cash into the Sea Eagles following a "disappointing season on and off the field." It is understood that the figure "could be in excess" of A$2M ($1.4M), with club finances "hit by legal costs and financial penalties resulting from sanctions imposed for breaching the salary cap." Penn: "I keep getting calls all the time. No, we're not even in discussions with anyone. Of course we're committed to making it successful. We're certainly not looking to sell. The fact is a) we're not selling and b) no one has offered us anything. It is a moot point. It is bizarre. I am intrigued where it is coming from because someone is obviously perpetuating it" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/17).
