No llama drama, as Australian alpacas pack a punch
Forget cake, Marie Antoinette is perfectly content grazing pasture.
She's a queen among the herd of 150 alpacas at Forestglen Alpaca Stud on the picturesque plains of Millthorpe in central western NSW.
Nearby is Goodness Gracious, a newborn named for the surprising splashes of chocolate brown and white on her fleece.
Remy roams with Rock 'n' Roll, Momo and Antarctica, while Talk To Me has just given birth to a snowy white girl called Rumour Has It.
The curious creatures appear to kiss their young and affectionately nuzzle each other on their long necks while quietly feeding in the afternoon sun.
The stud, managed by Jennie Carey and her daughter Alexandra Staples, was established in the early 1990s, soon after Australia's first flocks of alpacas were imported from South America.
Ms Carey's mother Maureen began alpaca showing and breeding after spotting the exotic animals at a field day.
She was besotted with their "big beautiful eyes" and adorable babies, Ms Carey told AAP.
"It was love at first sight and the love affair has never really finished," she said.
The Australian Alpaca Association, which represents more than 1000 breeders, is hoping the nation's consumers will be wooed by the woolly animals too.
The industry is celebrating its 35th year with National Alpaca Week from May 10, complete with a campaign encouraging people to buy products made from the unique fleece.
The association's president Brett Fallon, who operates a stud in Albany, WA, said alpaca fibre has many appealing qualities.
"It's very warm ... it has a silky feel to it and a natural lustre that is hard to replicate," Mr Fallon said.
Australia's alpaca industry was identified by research and development body AgriFutures as an emerging market in 2023.
With demand for quality and luxurious fibres here and overseas, the industry has enormous potential to grow, its report said.
The association is working to educate and support small-scale farmers to harvest fleece in a bid to bolster the market.
Some farmers may only keep a few alpacas - sometimes as pets or as guard animals for other stock - but there is still money to be made in the fibre.
"When it starts to scale up, that's when you start to get better returns," Mr Fallon said.
Bags of fleece line the shed walls at Forestglen, along with racks of show ribbons.
The stud's fleece has won supreme champion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show eight times.
"Because it lacks the lanolin that sheep wool has, it has a magical feel," Ms Carey said.
It's not just the fleece that's magic.
Alpacas are known to be easier on the land than cattle and sheep, allowing pastures to bounce back from grazing and drought.
And with their hooting call, they can expertly ward off foxes trying to prey on new lambs.
Forestglen has sold about 900 alpacas to farmers who use them as guardians.
Ms Carey trains the alpacas to respond to clapping, which also helps farmers herd sheep.
"They're the leaders, they're the bosses, they must be obeyed," she said.
But ignore the stereotypes about spitting, cranky alpacas.
They are, after all, "great big puffballs", Ms Carey said.
"I find them to be quite gentle."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Australian shares retreat from highs for second time
The Australian share market has slipped after again approaching its best-ever close, fading ahead of key US economic data and a long weekend in most Australian states. The S&P/ASX200 traded a tight range on Friday to finish 23.2 points lower, down 0.27 per cent to 8,515.7, as the broader All Ordinaries slipped 26.7 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8,741.9. The top 200 gained roughly one per cent for the week but failed to hold above its record close of 8,555.8 for a second straight day, as investors took profits ahead of a trading break on Monday and two potentially volatile US sessions before the next ASX open. With the local bourse so close to its record, some investors were asking if they were looking at a high-water mark, Moomoo market strategist Jessica Amir said. "With US debt concerns getting louder, investors are questioning whether markets could be due for a haircut," she told AAP. "But I think that'll be tested tonight when we get US jobs data, and if it really is weaker than expected then that will smash sentiment." Nine of 11 local sectors finished lower but energy shares offered some relief, up 0.7 per cent as hopes of resumed US-China trade talks pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude prices are up more than 3.5 per cent for the week, to $US64.86 a barrel, after a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping raised hopes for global growth and crude demand from the world's two largest economies. Financials weighed on the bourse, down 0.4 per cent as investors took profits on the banks. CBA was the big four's worst performer on Friday, fading 0.8 per cent after hitting a fresh peak of $182 on Thursday. Zooming out, the sector was up 1.9 per cent for the week and holding above its record close in February. Liquidity rotation from the banks and glimmers of global trade hopes helped push BHP and Fortescue higher, but it was not enough to stop the materials sector from slipping 0.1 per cent after a 1.4 per cent gain for the week. The brighter trade horizon weighed on critical minerals miners after China's export controls pushed them higher on Thursday, leaving Pilbara Minerals (down 5.2 per cent) and Iluka Resources (down 3.8 per cent) among the top 200's worst performers on Friday. Goldminers were a mixed bag all week, as the precious metal continued to chop within a range, with futures at $US3,384 ($A5,210) an ounce. Cryptocurrency Bitcoin slipped almost five per cent overnight but has recovered some of its losses to trade about $US103,200 ($A158,860), with no fundamental catalyst behind the dip, trading platform OKX's Australian boss Kate Cooper said. "The modest 5.6 per cent dip in the global cryptocurrency market cap today reflects broader market volatility, as participants react to the European Central Bank's downward revision of inflation expectations and reassess growth prospects," she said. Qantas was among the ASX's best-performing large cap stocks, up 3.5 per cent to $10.76 as competitor Virgin Australia confirmed it would relist on the ASX on June 24 with an expected market cap of $2.3 billion. Gold explorer and developer Ora Banda took the wooden spoon, down 14 per cent after a production update failed to shine. The Australian dollar is buying 64.97 US cents, roughly on par with Thursday at 5pm, but at the upper end of its recent range against the greenback. ON THE ASX: * The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index finished Friday 23.2 points lower, down 0.27 per cent to 8,515.7 * The broader All Ordinaries fell 26.7 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8,741.9 CURRENCY SNAPSHOT: One Australian dollar buys: * 64.97 US cents, from 64.96 US cents on Thursday at 5pm * 93.56 Japanese yen, from 93.03 Japanese yen * 56.81 Euro cents, from 56.93 Euro cents * 47.95 British pence, from 47.95 pence * 107.58 NZ cents, from 107.70 NZ cents The Australian share market has slipped after again approaching its best-ever close, fading ahead of key US economic data and a long weekend in most Australian states. The S&P/ASX200 traded a tight range on Friday to finish 23.2 points lower, down 0.27 per cent to 8,515.7, as the broader All Ordinaries slipped 26.7 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8,741.9. The top 200 gained roughly one per cent for the week but failed to hold above its record close of 8,555.8 for a second straight day, as investors took profits ahead of a trading break on Monday and two potentially volatile US sessions before the next ASX open. With the local bourse so close to its record, some investors were asking if they were looking at a high-water mark, Moomoo market strategist Jessica Amir said. "With US debt concerns getting louder, investors are questioning whether markets could be due for a haircut," she told AAP. "But I think that'll be tested tonight when we get US jobs data, and if it really is weaker than expected then that will smash sentiment." Nine of 11 local sectors finished lower but energy shares offered some relief, up 0.7 per cent as hopes of resumed US-China trade talks pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude prices are up more than 3.5 per cent for the week, to $US64.86 a barrel, after a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping raised hopes for global growth and crude demand from the world's two largest economies. Financials weighed on the bourse, down 0.4 per cent as investors took profits on the banks. CBA was the big four's worst performer on Friday, fading 0.8 per cent after hitting a fresh peak of $182 on Thursday. Zooming out, the sector was up 1.9 per cent for the week and holding above its record close in February. Liquidity rotation from the banks and glimmers of global trade hopes helped push BHP and Fortescue higher, but it was not enough to stop the materials sector from slipping 0.1 per cent after a 1.4 per cent gain for the week. The brighter trade horizon weighed on critical minerals miners after China's export controls pushed them higher on Thursday, leaving Pilbara Minerals (down 5.2 per cent) and Iluka Resources (down 3.8 per cent) among the top 200's worst performers on Friday. Goldminers were a mixed bag all week, as the precious metal continued to chop within a range, with futures at $US3,384 ($A5,210) an ounce. Cryptocurrency Bitcoin slipped almost five per cent overnight but has recovered some of its losses to trade about $US103,200 ($A158,860), with no fundamental catalyst behind the dip, trading platform OKX's Australian boss Kate Cooper said. "The modest 5.6 per cent dip in the global cryptocurrency market cap today reflects broader market volatility, as participants react to the European Central Bank's downward revision of inflation expectations and reassess growth prospects," she said. Qantas was among the ASX's best-performing large cap stocks, up 3.5 per cent to $10.76 as competitor Virgin Australia confirmed it would relist on the ASX on June 24 with an expected market cap of $2.3 billion. Gold explorer and developer Ora Banda took the wooden spoon, down 14 per cent after a production update failed to shine. The Australian dollar is buying 64.97 US cents, roughly on par with Thursday at 5pm, but at the upper end of its recent range against the greenback. ON THE ASX: * The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index finished Friday 23.2 points lower, down 0.27 per cent to 8,515.7 * The broader All Ordinaries fell 26.7 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8,741.9 CURRENCY SNAPSHOT: One Australian dollar buys: * 64.97 US cents, from 64.96 US cents on Thursday at 5pm * 93.56 Japanese yen, from 93.03 Japanese yen * 56.81 Euro cents, from 56.93 Euro cents * 47.95 British pence, from 47.95 pence * 107.58 NZ cents, from 107.70 NZ cents The Australian share market has slipped after again approaching its best-ever close, fading ahead of key US economic data and a long weekend in most Australian states. The S&P/ASX200 traded a tight range on Friday to finish 23.2 points lower, down 0.27 per cent to 8,515.7, as the broader All Ordinaries slipped 26.7 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8,741.9. The top 200 gained roughly one per cent for the week but failed to hold above its record close of 8,555.8 for a second straight day, as investors took profits ahead of a trading break on Monday and two potentially volatile US sessions before the next ASX open. With the local bourse so close to its record, some investors were asking if they were looking at a high-water mark, Moomoo market strategist Jessica Amir said. "With US debt concerns getting louder, investors are questioning whether markets could be due for a haircut," she told AAP. "But I think that'll be tested tonight when we get US jobs data, and if it really is weaker than expected then that will smash sentiment." Nine of 11 local sectors finished lower but energy shares offered some relief, up 0.7 per cent as hopes of resumed US-China trade talks pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude prices are up more than 3.5 per cent for the week, to $US64.86 a barrel, after a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping raised hopes for global growth and crude demand from the world's two largest economies. Financials weighed on the bourse, down 0.4 per cent as investors took profits on the banks. CBA was the big four's worst performer on Friday, fading 0.8 per cent after hitting a fresh peak of $182 on Thursday. Zooming out, the sector was up 1.9 per cent for the week and holding above its record close in February. Liquidity rotation from the banks and glimmers of global trade hopes helped push BHP and Fortescue higher, but it was not enough to stop the materials sector from slipping 0.1 per cent after a 1.4 per cent gain for the week. The brighter trade horizon weighed on critical minerals miners after China's export controls pushed them higher on Thursday, leaving Pilbara Minerals (down 5.2 per cent) and Iluka Resources (down 3.8 per cent) among the top 200's worst performers on Friday. Goldminers were a mixed bag all week, as the precious metal continued to chop within a range, with futures at $US3,384 ($A5,210) an ounce. Cryptocurrency Bitcoin slipped almost five per cent overnight but has recovered some of its losses to trade about $US103,200 ($A158,860), with no fundamental catalyst behind the dip, trading platform OKX's Australian boss Kate Cooper said. "The modest 5.6 per cent dip in the global cryptocurrency market cap today reflects broader market volatility, as participants react to the European Central Bank's downward revision of inflation expectations and reassess growth prospects," she said. Qantas was among the ASX's best-performing large cap stocks, up 3.5 per cent to $10.76 as competitor Virgin Australia confirmed it would relist on the ASX on June 24 with an expected market cap of $2.3 billion. Gold explorer and developer Ora Banda took the wooden spoon, down 14 per cent after a production update failed to shine. The Australian dollar is buying 64.97 US cents, roughly on par with Thursday at 5pm, but at the upper end of its recent range against the greenback. ON THE ASX: * The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index finished Friday 23.2 points lower, down 0.27 per cent to 8,515.7 * The broader All Ordinaries fell 26.7 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8,741.9 CURRENCY SNAPSHOT: One Australian dollar buys: * 64.97 US cents, from 64.96 US cents on Thursday at 5pm * 93.56 Japanese yen, from 93.03 Japanese yen * 56.81 Euro cents, from 56.93 Euro cents * 47.95 British pence, from 47.95 pence * 107.58 NZ cents, from 107.70 NZ cents The Australian share market has slipped after again approaching its best-ever close, fading ahead of key US economic data and a long weekend in most Australian states. The S&P/ASX200 traded a tight range on Friday to finish 23.2 points lower, down 0.27 per cent to 8,515.7, as the broader All Ordinaries slipped 26.7 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8,741.9. The top 200 gained roughly one per cent for the week but failed to hold above its record close of 8,555.8 for a second straight day, as investors took profits ahead of a trading break on Monday and two potentially volatile US sessions before the next ASX open. With the local bourse so close to its record, some investors were asking if they were looking at a high-water mark, Moomoo market strategist Jessica Amir said. "With US debt concerns getting louder, investors are questioning whether markets could be due for a haircut," she told AAP. "But I think that'll be tested tonight when we get US jobs data, and if it really is weaker than expected then that will smash sentiment." Nine of 11 local sectors finished lower but energy shares offered some relief, up 0.7 per cent as hopes of resumed US-China trade talks pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude prices are up more than 3.5 per cent for the week, to $US64.86 a barrel, after a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping raised hopes for global growth and crude demand from the world's two largest economies. Financials weighed on the bourse, down 0.4 per cent as investors took profits on the banks. CBA was the big four's worst performer on Friday, fading 0.8 per cent after hitting a fresh peak of $182 on Thursday. Zooming out, the sector was up 1.9 per cent for the week and holding above its record close in February. Liquidity rotation from the banks and glimmers of global trade hopes helped push BHP and Fortescue higher, but it was not enough to stop the materials sector from slipping 0.1 per cent after a 1.4 per cent gain for the week. The brighter trade horizon weighed on critical minerals miners after China's export controls pushed them higher on Thursday, leaving Pilbara Minerals (down 5.2 per cent) and Iluka Resources (down 3.8 per cent) among the top 200's worst performers on Friday. Goldminers were a mixed bag all week, as the precious metal continued to chop within a range, with futures at $US3,384 ($A5,210) an ounce. Cryptocurrency Bitcoin slipped almost five per cent overnight but has recovered some of its losses to trade about $US103,200 ($A158,860), with no fundamental catalyst behind the dip, trading platform OKX's Australian boss Kate Cooper said. "The modest 5.6 per cent dip in the global cryptocurrency market cap today reflects broader market volatility, as participants react to the European Central Bank's downward revision of inflation expectations and reassess growth prospects," she said. Qantas was among the ASX's best-performing large cap stocks, up 3.5 per cent to $10.76 as competitor Virgin Australia confirmed it would relist on the ASX on June 24 with an expected market cap of $2.3 billion. Gold explorer and developer Ora Banda took the wooden spoon, down 14 per cent after a production update failed to shine. The Australian dollar is buying 64.97 US cents, roughly on par with Thursday at 5pm, but at the upper end of its recent range against the greenback. ON THE ASX: * The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index finished Friday 23.2 points lower, down 0.27 per cent to 8,515.7 * The broader All Ordinaries fell 26.7 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 8,741.9 CURRENCY SNAPSHOT: One Australian dollar buys: * 64.97 US cents, from 64.96 US cents on Thursday at 5pm * 93.56 Japanese yen, from 93.03 Japanese yen * 56.81 Euro cents, from 56.93 Euro cents * 47.95 British pence, from 47.95 pence * 107.58 NZ cents, from 107.70 NZ cents
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
Contract talks for Manly lock after fractured rib pain
Manly have opened talks to re-sign off-contract duo Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jazz Tevaga, with the latter revealing he has played the past month with a fractured rib. Taukeiaho and Tevaga both landed at the Sea Eagles on one-year deals over the summer, and are both likely to earn one-year extensions. The Sea Eagles are on something of a re-signing spree at the moment, with fellow forward Ethan Bullemor closing in on a four-year extension at the club. Manly have also moved to begin talks with Tom and Jake Trbojevic, who are off contract at the end of 2026 and free agents from November 1 this year. Talks are also ongoing with young winger Clayton Faulalo, while Manly are keen to keep fellow off-contract outside back Tommy Talau. "We've started discussions with Jazz and Siua," Manly CEO Tony Mestrov told AAP. "Siua came for a year, had a few injuries, but his leg speed has been great, and Jazz is a tough bugger. "Siua and Jazz have probably been two of our best forwards this year. They've added to the culture of what we're trying to do, being tough and relentless. "We've started discussions, just started with both, with a view to keeping them next year and extending them." Taukeiaho's talks come after Manly offered him a lifeline over the summer, after he failed a medical at Canterbury in 2023 and was released by Catalans last year. The former Sydney Roosters premiership winner won't face Newcastle on Thursday because of a calf strain, but has been one of Manly's most reliable players this year. Tevaga, meanwhile, took something of a gamble when he knocked back an offer from the Warriors to move to Australia on his one-year deal. After filling in at dummy-half to start the year, he has been particularly good in his preferred spot of lock in recent weeks with Jake Trbojevic out. "I put all my eggs in this basket," Tevaga said. "I'd prefer to stay. We came over here for an opportunity. I feel like I've lived up to the transaction. Hopefully we can get something across the line. "I'm no Isaah Yeo or anything, but I feel like it's working well (at lock) and giving me a good balance." Tevaga will go back to the bench this week with Trbojevic returning at No.13, having also required needles on a fractured rib suffered in round eight against Penrith. "I've been battling and it doesn't help when you lose a few players, but It's getting better," Tevaga said. "At first it was a rib cartilage, and then I copped a whack on it, and with the rib cartilage out, it just threw me in a vulnerable position. "I was going to sit out the Sharks game ... If you watch it I just couldn't wrestle. In the play-the-ball, I couldn't fight, because it was just in pain, but the jab helps it." Manly have opened talks to re-sign off-contract duo Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jazz Tevaga, with the latter revealing he has played the past month with a fractured rib. Taukeiaho and Tevaga both landed at the Sea Eagles on one-year deals over the summer, and are both likely to earn one-year extensions. The Sea Eagles are on something of a re-signing spree at the moment, with fellow forward Ethan Bullemor closing in on a four-year extension at the club. Manly have also moved to begin talks with Tom and Jake Trbojevic, who are off contract at the end of 2026 and free agents from November 1 this year. Talks are also ongoing with young winger Clayton Faulalo, while Manly are keen to keep fellow off-contract outside back Tommy Talau. "We've started discussions with Jazz and Siua," Manly CEO Tony Mestrov told AAP. "Siua came for a year, had a few injuries, but his leg speed has been great, and Jazz is a tough bugger. "Siua and Jazz have probably been two of our best forwards this year. They've added to the culture of what we're trying to do, being tough and relentless. "We've started discussions, just started with both, with a view to keeping them next year and extending them." Taukeiaho's talks come after Manly offered him a lifeline over the summer, after he failed a medical at Canterbury in 2023 and was released by Catalans last year. The former Sydney Roosters premiership winner won't face Newcastle on Thursday because of a calf strain, but has been one of Manly's most reliable players this year. Tevaga, meanwhile, took something of a gamble when he knocked back an offer from the Warriors to move to Australia on his one-year deal. After filling in at dummy-half to start the year, he has been particularly good in his preferred spot of lock in recent weeks with Jake Trbojevic out. "I put all my eggs in this basket," Tevaga said. "I'd prefer to stay. We came over here for an opportunity. I feel like I've lived up to the transaction. Hopefully we can get something across the line. "I'm no Isaah Yeo or anything, but I feel like it's working well (at lock) and giving me a good balance." Tevaga will go back to the bench this week with Trbojevic returning at No.13, having also required needles on a fractured rib suffered in round eight against Penrith. "I've been battling and it doesn't help when you lose a few players, but It's getting better," Tevaga said. "At first it was a rib cartilage, and then I copped a whack on it, and with the rib cartilage out, it just threw me in a vulnerable position. "I was going to sit out the Sharks game ... If you watch it I just couldn't wrestle. In the play-the-ball, I couldn't fight, because it was just in pain, but the jab helps it." Manly have opened talks to re-sign off-contract duo Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jazz Tevaga, with the latter revealing he has played the past month with a fractured rib. Taukeiaho and Tevaga both landed at the Sea Eagles on one-year deals over the summer, and are both likely to earn one-year extensions. The Sea Eagles are on something of a re-signing spree at the moment, with fellow forward Ethan Bullemor closing in on a four-year extension at the club. Manly have also moved to begin talks with Tom and Jake Trbojevic, who are off contract at the end of 2026 and free agents from November 1 this year. Talks are also ongoing with young winger Clayton Faulalo, while Manly are keen to keep fellow off-contract outside back Tommy Talau. "We've started discussions with Jazz and Siua," Manly CEO Tony Mestrov told AAP. "Siua came for a year, had a few injuries, but his leg speed has been great, and Jazz is a tough bugger. "Siua and Jazz have probably been two of our best forwards this year. They've added to the culture of what we're trying to do, being tough and relentless. "We've started discussions, just started with both, with a view to keeping them next year and extending them." Taukeiaho's talks come after Manly offered him a lifeline over the summer, after he failed a medical at Canterbury in 2023 and was released by Catalans last year. The former Sydney Roosters premiership winner won't face Newcastle on Thursday because of a calf strain, but has been one of Manly's most reliable players this year. Tevaga, meanwhile, took something of a gamble when he knocked back an offer from the Warriors to move to Australia on his one-year deal. After filling in at dummy-half to start the year, he has been particularly good in his preferred spot of lock in recent weeks with Jake Trbojevic out. "I put all my eggs in this basket," Tevaga said. "I'd prefer to stay. We came over here for an opportunity. I feel like I've lived up to the transaction. Hopefully we can get something across the line. "I'm no Isaah Yeo or anything, but I feel like it's working well (at lock) and giving me a good balance." Tevaga will go back to the bench this week with Trbojevic returning at No.13, having also required needles on a fractured rib suffered in round eight against Penrith. "I've been battling and it doesn't help when you lose a few players, but It's getting better," Tevaga said. "At first it was a rib cartilage, and then I copped a whack on it, and with the rib cartilage out, it just threw me in a vulnerable position. "I was going to sit out the Sharks game ... If you watch it I just couldn't wrestle. In the play-the-ball, I couldn't fight, because it was just in pain, but the jab helps it."
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Perth Now
Contract talks for Manly lock after fractured rib pain
Manly have opened talks to re-sign off-contract duo Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jazz Tevaga, with the latter revealing he has played the past month with a fractured rib. Taukeiaho and Tevaga both landed at the Sea Eagles on one-year deals over the summer, and are both likely to earn one-year extensions. The Sea Eagles are on something of a re-signing spree at the moment, with fellow forward Ethan Bullemor closing in on a four-year extension at the club. Manly have also moved to begin talks with Tom and Jake Trbojevic, who are off contract at the end of 2026 and free agents from November 1 this year. Talks are also ongoing with young winger Clayton Faulalo, while Manly are keen to keep fellow off-contract outside back Tommy Talau. "We've started discussions with Jazz and Siua," Manly CEO Tony Mestrov told AAP. "Siua came for a year, had a few injuries, but his leg speed has been great, and Jazz is a tough bugger. "Siua and Jazz have probably been two of our best forwards this year. They've added to the culture of what we're trying to do, being tough and relentless. "We've started discussions, just started with both, with a view to keeping them next year and extending them." Taukeiaho's talks come after Manly offered him a lifeline over the summer, after he failed a medical at Canterbury in 2023 and was released by Catalans last year. The former Sydney Roosters premiership winner won't face Newcastle on Thursday because of a calf strain, but has been one of Manly's most reliable players this year. Tevaga, meanwhile, took something of a gamble when he knocked back an offer from the Warriors to move to Australia on his one-year deal. After filling in at dummy-half to start the year, he has been particularly good in his preferred spot of lock in recent weeks with Jake Trbojevic out. "I put all my eggs in this basket," Tevaga said. "I'd prefer to stay. We came over here for an opportunity. I feel like I've lived up to the transaction. Hopefully we can get something across the line. "I'm no Isaah Yeo or anything, but I feel like it's working well (at lock) and giving me a good balance." Tevaga will go back to the bench this week with Trbojevic returning at No.13, having also required needles on a fractured rib suffered in round eight against Penrith. "I've been battling and it doesn't help when you lose a few players, but It's getting better," Tevaga said. "At first it was a rib cartilage, and then I copped a whack on it, and with the rib cartilage out, it just threw me in a vulnerable position. "I was going to sit out the Sharks game ... If you watch it I just couldn't wrestle. In the play-the-ball, I couldn't fight, because it was just in pain, but the jab helps it."
