Manly Sea Eagles have confirmed the signing of talented back-rower Curtis Sironen on a two-year deal from next season.
Sironen joins the Sea Eagles from the Wests Tigers, a club he played 65 first grade matches for after making his NRL debut in round 12 of the 2012 season.
A Balmain junior, the 23-year-old Sironen made eight NRL appearances in 2016 for the Tigers. He also represented City Origin for the third time.
A five-eighth in his junior days, the former Wests Tigers Rookie of the Year is excited about the prospect of developing his forward play under Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett.
“I want to be playing first grade. When I spoke to Trent for the first time, he won me over straight away with his enthusiasm,’’ Sironen said.
“This is a good fresh start for me. There is a great core of young players here at Manly, a number of internationals, as well as an experienced mix of forwards led by Nate Myles, Martin Taupau, and Brenton Lawrence.
“I want to show what I can do. I want to reach my potential and I’m sure I can do that here at Manly.”
Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett said Sironen was a great signing for the club.
“He is an experienced player, Curtis. He is a big edge back-rower with plenty of ability,’’ Barrett said.
“Curtis can play through the line, before the line, and he has got a kicking game. He is what we were looking for and we were really fortunate that this opportunity to secure him came about late.”