Latest Rugby League News

Sea Eagles confirm five player departures

Three don’t have a home for 2022! 😲

Published by
Scott Pryde

The Manly Sea Eagles have confirmed all of Curtis Sironen, Moses Suli, Tevita Funa, Jack Gosiewski, and Zac Saddler will depart the club at the end of 2022.

Only Sironen and Funa have their futures sorted, with Sironen heading to England to play for the St Helens Saints in the Super League, while the 23-year-old Funa will play for the New South Wales Waratahs, with the rugby union club making an official announcement on Wednesday morning.

The news is not so good for Suli, Gosiewski and Saddler, with Manly releasing the trio despite their futures in the sport being less than secure.

Suli would appear to be the one in with the highest chance of landing a contract. He has been heavily linked with the St George Illawarra Dragons, however, as yet, no official announcement has been made.

MOSES SULI
Centre
Sea Eagles
2021 SEASON AVG
0.1
Try Assists
0.2
LB Assists
0.1
Tries

It could be reasonably suggested he has a deal lined up somewhere though, given the Sea Eagles agreed to release the hard-hitting centre from the final year of his deal.

Suli struggled for game time this season, falling behind Brad Parker and Morgan Harper in the pecking order.

Gosiewski, a second-rower, has struggled with injury throughout 2021, being limited to just six appearances for the Sea Eagles.

JACK GOSIEWSKI
Second-row
Sea Eagles
2021 SEASON AVG
20.7
Tackles Made
0.2
Try Assists
0.2
LB Assists

He has struggled to find a place in Des Hasler's side, and as yet, has no contract lined up for 2022.

Saddler, a 22-year-old, who plays in the middle third, but can also shift to the second-row, is also without a contract.

The Bathurst-born youngster made three appearances in the 2022 season, however, they all came from the bench and with limited minutes. While he has been unable to break into the NRL, his immense talent would make it surprising if he couldn't find a contract for 2022.

The announcement from the club leaves question marks over current off-contract duo Sione Fainu and Dylan Walker. Jorge Taufua and Morgan Boyle were officially re-signed by the club on the same day as the departures were confirmed.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 16: Dylan Walker of the Sea Eagles celebrates scoring a try during the round 14 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Lottoland on June 16, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Walker is expected to re-sign with the club, although speculation arose over the weekend that he may look for a move as he looks to break back into a starting 13 in the NRL.

Sione Fainu is yet to make his first grade debut, but is touted as one of the best young props in the game, having represented New South Wales at under age level.

Published by
Scott Pryde