Manly Sea Eagles look to Newcastle’s Danny Levi to solve hooking woes
Manly are looking to solve one of their most troublesome positions by landing a former Kiwi Test hooker.
NRL
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MANLY are set to solve their problematic hooker problem by trying to sign Kiwi international Danny Levi.
Newcastle will not stand in the way of the 24-year-old if he asks for a release with the Sea Eagles firming as the likely destination for Levi. Manly head into 2020 with uncertainty surrounding their hooking position. First choice rake Manase Fainu has been stooddown under the NRL’s no fault policy after an alleged stabbing at a church dance.
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The Sea Eagles have no viable back-up should Fainu miss any games with Cade Cust or Lachlan Croker expected to fill the gap. Fainu has pleaded not guilty to charges of wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, affray and recklessly causing grievous bodily harm in company. His matter returns to court on February 3.
Fainu has also battled a shoulder infection and was forced to undergo emergency shoulder surgery late last year after the shoulder was operated to repair damage from the season. Manly released Fiji hooker Api Koroisau from the final year of his deal to join Penrith.
Despite Levi having this year remaining on his Knights deal, he had been shopped to rival clubs for the bulk of 2019. He fell-out with previous coach Nathan Brown which led to the Knights signing ex-Cronulla hooker Jayden Brailey to be their long-term hooker. Levi has continued to train with the Knights during the pre-season. It is understood no official release will happen until later this week when Levi’s manager returns from overseas.
Manly have been one of the least active clubs in the off-season. They promoted veteran Tony Williams into their top squad as well as signing Knights lower-grade outside back Brayden Musgrove.
The Knights have Connor Watson to back-up Brailey who can be an 80 minute player.
Levi played four Tests for the Kiwis in 2017 before turning out for Samoa last year.
Meanwhile, St George Illawarra announced the signing of former Panther and South Sydney utility Tyrell Fuimaono on a two-year deal.
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Originally published as Manly Sea Eagles look to Newcastle’s Danny Levi to solve hooking woes
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