Exhibit 99(a) COLLECTIVE BANCORP, INC. STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Schedule 13D dated February 28, 1997 filed by the Registrant with respect to the Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Collective...

                                                                 Exhibit 99(a)


                 COLLECTIVE BANCORP, INC. STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

         (Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit  10(b) to the Schedule 13D dated
February 28, 1997 filed by the Registrant with respect to the Common Stock,  par
value $.01 per share, of Collective Bancorp, Inc.)