2026 recruitment & retention

[eaglebuzz]

I'd be happy for Garrick to stay or go. He's an effort player and he has some really good moments, but on the whole I consider him a below average player - once you factor in his defense.

He hasn't earned the right to a long term deal or to command big money.

 

[nightster]

Rueben was the best left winger in the game a few years back

 

[nightster]

and don't forget his never say die effort for the '21 try of the year

Sea Eagles win NRL Try of the Year Award

It was the TRY that just had to be seen to be believed!

www.seaeagles.com.au

 

[madmax]

Do we have 5 or 6 keepers……I doubt we do in the backs, Tolu is the only one I’d hate to lose and his free to test the market come Nov 1st, would imagine there’ll be interest.

Tolu & Lehi are definitely keepers…..if we lose Tolu, Garrick etc. my interest in league will start to wane! Finally we have 2 brilliant young talents in the team & the club is at risk of losing them 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

 

[jbb/james]

I loved koulas 2025, but it had been a long time coming. Wether he found himself outside brooks or finally had a break out is probably still yet to be determined

Signing players in purple patches has hurt us before

I think he was previously overpaid for ROI

Hope a balanced decision is made. He certainly hasnt shown enough for fullback money over an extended period

Garricks contract needs to be reasonable enough too. He is a great clubman, solid but replaceable

 

[mave]

Rueben was the best left winger in the game a few years back

He would be a SOO rep by now if he stayed on the wing. The move to centre has hampered his standing around rep duties imo.

Wing is such an important position these days and I cant quite understand why everyone seems so willing to see wingers as expendable/easily replacable.

 

[eaglebuzz]

Rueben was the best left winger in the game a few years back

Brian To'o has had that particular accolade sewn up for the entire time Garrick has been with us.

Garrick had a fantastic 2021, he's been ok since. He is a top tier winger but he prefers centre and he's not getting any younger. I'd say his best days are likely behind him rather than ahead of him.

A 2 year extension is fair imo. If he doesn't want it I wouldn't be sad to see him leave.

 

[Brookie Bob]

Manly at risk of losing stars amid extension talks

They could lose one of their most experienced stars.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[manly al]

N R L has held back a bit from issuing fairly severe penalties or sanctions on players who may be prepared to break contracts or simply punt League to head to the proposed R 360.
Union nations have been fairly proactive to date with threats to virtually disqualify Union guys who are prepared or actually do sign on officially
Would have to be some doubt still just how viable or realistic the proposed comp can be and also may be interesting on any League types who do shift if it becomes an actual event ,and after , if the respective players in the future may ever then consider a switch to the established Union order, in terms of punitive measures
Looks like mainly the older , established union international players considering the move
Think that Koula is around 23 now , Manly would have to offer him too level centre money on any new deal
Shame that he has the player option in his favor for 27 , in the professional sense nothing unusual and even a lucrative 2 year deal just for 28 and 29 would be a really good outcome for Manly
Again , what future actions the N R L may propose or enforce in reaction to the R 360 proposal , could still influence current League guys who may be targeted or approached in their playing future intentions