NRL: Lowe keen to take Manly job despite health scare

Newly appointed Manly chief executive Graham Lowe says he is determined to take up his position at the National Rugby League club despite a health scare at Auckland Airport.

The former Kiwis, Queensland and Manly coach collapsed on Monday as he was waiting to board a flight to Sydney to start in the role.

He was taken to hospital, where he had blood tests.

Lowe, 63, told the Manly Daily newspaper that he had a virus and would stay in New Zealand until next Monday.

"I've got some sort of virus and was feeling unwell," he said.

"I don't think it's good to be flying when you feel like that. The in-house doctor came and saw me. I went to hospital and they did blood tests. Those tests were all okay so I was released."

Lowe has a history of ill health, but said he had no concerns about his ability to do the chief executive's job.

"Absolutely," he said. "There are no worries. I'm as sweet as a nut."

Manly chairman and co-owner Scott Penn described the incident as "a bump in the road".

He said Lowe's health was discussed before his appointment and it was something the club would monitor carefully.

Two weeks ago, Lowe accepted a A$240,000 ($306,000) one-year package, with a two-year option, to return to Manly.

Former chief executive Grant Mayer resigned in June after months of in-fighting between factions aligned with club co-owners Scott Penn and Max Delmege.

- NZPA