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.

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        • 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

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