Tuilagi has secured a release from the final two seasons of his contract with the Sea Eagles to sign a two-year deal under Brad Arthur at the Eels.

The Samoan international joined Manly from the Wests Tigers in 2023, featuring in 17-games for the Sea Eagles.

However, a logjam of backrowers at the Sea Eagles, including Haumole Olakua’atu, Ben Trbojevic and Josh Schuster has led Tuilagi to link with Parramatta.

Tuilagi will provide much required depth and competition in the back row at the Eels where Shaun Lane is regarded as the only edge forward guaranteed a starting spot in Brad Arthur’s best 17.

For the Sea Eagles, Tuilagi’s exit will enable the club to create further flexibility in their salary cap.

You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!

Join 1Eyed Eel

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

        • I reckon injuries, suspensions and the draw stuffed the Eels this year. The Eels were gaining momentum and had a positive for and against until Dylan Brown got himself suspended for 7 weeks 

          • Not talking about that, talking about the development of the new players in 2023. It was more miss than hit in 23 - agree though on injuries and suspensions impacting our year no doubt.

            Not saying BA hasn't developed some decent players but he definitely missed his assignment this year.

    • Well I've watched him back to his Tigers days and the guy can play. He's big, mobile, athletic & has an offload. His defence needs work, but he can play. 

    • Another throw away cheap buy who BA thinks he can turn into a FGrader.  We need outside backs.

  • This reply was deleted.
    • Is say the biggest part of getting rid of him was signing Schuster for $800k +
      Now Schuster is being paid that much and they've signed Brooks to play 5/8 they have to play Schuster at 2nd Row. No room for Tuilagi. Surely Manly are paying some of his freight.

      • This reply was deleted.
        • I thought he played right edge at Tigers. So when Manly signed him I thought it was an odd choice because they already had Olakau'atu on the right. I feel like we've lost Davey, who most people complained about, Tuilagi has much more potential. I like the signing.

           

      • They have to be, if Tuilagi wanted to he could dig his heels in and stay, they have to honour it as he is signed til 2025. If a player wants to leave they forfeit what is owed most of the time, but the other way around for the club if they want a player gone.

        • I imagined as much.

      • This makes more sense; Shuster cost is an issue....I am going to back myself and say he will never be consistent.

        Parra are not paying much here and we need one or two centres' back up half too.

  • Another genius move by the club. Can't wait for 2024 season. Definitely premiership favourites now

This reply was deleted.

More stuff to read

Mallee57 replied to Poppa's discussion Defending the Undefendable... this game should not have been a surprise....Look what we had!
"Regardless of what team takes the field today's performance was disgraceful, weak, effortless and unprofessional. The Knights have both their halves out for the last few games and at least they show some grit and determination and look like they've…"
39 seconds ago
Pork Rind replied to Blue Eel's discussion Eels Break a 79 year old Record.
"so much for the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Champions"
1 minute ago
Parrafan101 replied to Snottie Pimpin's discussion Will Penisni
"Just fuck Pensini off and get Tago on centre and Xerri on the other, we have to buy a premiership at this point."
1 minute ago
Flow Basket replied to Snottie Pimpin's discussion Will Penisni
"He tried so hard to butcher his try but momentum got him"
2 minutes ago
More…