The latest NRL news, intelligent rugby league analysis, and innovative NRL statistics
Manly’s forward depth is set to be even further tested, with forward Darcy Lussick released to join the Toronto Wolfpack, effective immediately.
The Sea Eagles announced Lussick’s departure this afternoon.
The exit of Lussick will put even more pressure on the Sea Eagles’ forward depth, with back-rowers Curtis Sironen and Kelepi Tanginoa both already out with ACL injuries.
Lussick played 117 first grade matches for the Sea Eagles and Eels.
Perhaps the NRL has learnt something from past salary cap scandals.
According to AAP, the NRL have handed out their punishment for the Sea Eagles’ salary cap violations; and they’ve been spared the loss of points.
Instead, the club have been fined $750,000 (with $500,000 suspended), and lost $330,000 in salary cap space for each of 2018 and 2019.
In previous instances (like the Eels and Storm, for example), the NRL have seemingly fallen over themselves to dock premiership points from clubs, inadvertently punishing the fans as collateral damage, and dragging the entire episode out for an entire season.
By instead docking salary cap space, the NRL has still ensured that the club feels the ramifications of their actions, but now allowed the game to move forward and put the entire episode to bed.
Having already had some success with one former Storm half in Blake Green, you couldn’t blame the Sea Eagles for going back to the well another time.
They may do exactly that, with Nathan Ryan reporting on Fox Sports that the Sea Eagles are “exploring” the possibility of signing back-up Storm half Ryley Jacks for 2019.
Jacks is reportedly looking for a starting gig somewhere with his next deal, and with 3-game veteran Lachlan Croker currently donning the 6 at Manly, the Sea Eagles would seem a good fit.
Of course, by the end of the year, Croker may have become a household name. Regardless though, Jacks is likely to have to move on in order to get a long-term starting opportunity, as he’s currently stuck behind young stars Cameron Munster and Brodie Croft in Melbourne.
Jacks has played 13 first grade games for the Storm.
The Sea Eagles mightn’t be allowed to sign any players until their salary cap investigation is resolved, but that isn’t stopping them getting deals lined up ready to go when that finally happens.
According to Nathan Ryan on Fox Sports, the Sea Eagles have reportedly agreed to extensions with hooker Apisai Koroisau and back-rower Curtis Sironen, with one, small caveat – they can’t register the contracts.
The agreements are reportedly both for three years, and are expected to be ratified the moment that Manly are cleared to register new deals.
In theory, should another team gazump them in the meantime (or if the NRL impose sanctions on the Sea Eagles) the situation could potentially become messy, but at this point, it seems like it’s business as usual on the Northern Beaches, salary cap investigation be damned.
Koroisau has played 72 first grade games for the Sea Eagles, Panthers and Rabbitohs, and 12 Tests for Fiji.
Sironen has played 81 matches for the Sea Eagles and Tigers.
The Cowboys reportedly plan on making Origin half Michael Morgan the game’s next million-dollar man, after he guided the team to an upset preliminary final win over the Roosters.
Meanwhile, Cowboys coach Paul Green faces an agonising decision over whether or not to play forward Matt Scott, who’s believed to be fit and ready for the Grand Final… if selected.
Sea Eagles centres Dylan Walker will be struggling to fit for Round 1 next season after suffering an horrific leg injury while playing for the PM’s XIII, both breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle.
Having already declared that they won’t select Benji Marshall for the World Cup, the Kiwis are suddenly short on good options, after presumptive five-eighth Kieran Foran declared himself unavailable due to injury.
Marshall will still be busy in November though, after joining the Channel 7 commentary team for the tournament.
The Titans have tabled a long-term deal to halfback Ash Taylor, however it’s believed that Taylor will likely wait until a coach is appointed before making a commitment.
