Revelations earlier this week revealed that the Manly Sea-Eagles are set to cut over a dozen of their top players, as well as their head coach Geoff Toovey.
After such a poor showing this season, which has consigned Manly to the foot of the ladder, the club has seemingly decided a clean-out is necessary.
The decision comes just weeks after the club agreed to lucrative deals to current halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, which prevented him leaving the club, and Test forward Nate Myles. Manly are also negotiating a contract extension for fullback Brett Stewart which hopes to make him a one-club player.
Some of the players alleged to be cut have already gained interest for next season. British forward Luke Burgess has received interest from rival NRL clubs as well as Japanese Rugby Union. Back Rower Justin Horo looks set for a move to Super League while Feleti Mateo, rumoured to be on a very expensive contract, is also gaining interest from rival NRL clubs. Dunamis Liu is reportedly set to move the St.George-Illawarra Dragons. Other forwards Willie Mason and Josh Starling are also reportedly set to be cut, while hooker Matt Ballin, who recently signed a 2 year extension to stay at Manly, could also be shopped around.
Rookie halfback Jack Littlejohn, who made his debut last year but has yet to play in the NRL in 2015 has also reportedly been in talks with the Wests Tigers. Forward Ligi Sao has already been signed by the Warriors for next season.
Meanwhile, head coach Geoff Toovey is seemingly unwanted for 2016, despite still having a year to go on his contract. Trent Barrett has been rumoured to be his successor for next season, however there has also been suggestions that Melbourne Storm’s assistant coach and former Superleague premiership winning coach, Nathan Brown, could end up as Toovey’s replacement.
