NRL signings news: Manly Sea Eagles lock in keys to future
Manly’s pre-season is off to a flying start with the Sea Eagles snaring two key signatures as they look to build on their impressive 2019 campaign under coach Des Hasler.
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Des Hasler's retention drive is in full swing with Manly locking up two of the sides biggest stars beyond season 2019.
No, it’s not Jake and Tom Trbojevic but two key players Sea Eagles coach Hasler feels are just as crucial to the side’s premiership ambitions in the future.
Playmaker Dylan Walker has re-signed with the Northern Beaches club for two more years.
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The Daily Telegraph understands Walker, who was off contract at the end of this season, has taken a downgraded deal to remain at Narrabeen.
There is, however, a clause in his contract that will allow for a review of his salary after season 2020 and a potential upgrade in payment for the final year of the deal in season 2021.
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Walker’s value on the open market is believed to be higher than what his season 2020 deal is worth following his switch from the centres to the halves alongside halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
But Walker was reluctant to leave the Northern Beaches club after a turbulent year off the field. Walker was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after a domestic dispute with his partner in December 2018. In May, Walker was found not guilty of the charges in a trial and the NRL imposed ban under its new ‘no fault stand-down’ policy was lifted allowing him to return to the field in round 10.
Hasler staunchly supported Walker during that period and the outside back turned five-eighth wants to repay the faith shown in him from the coach.
In further good news for Sea Eagles fan, The Saturday Telegraph can reveal Samoan international Martin Taupau has also agreed to terms for a two-year extension at the club.
The enforcer was off-contract at the end of next year but Manly have moved to secure his services ahead of the November 1 deadline for rival clubs to talk to players.
There had been speculation Taupau wanted out of Manly because of a strained relationship with former coach Trent Barrett and rival clubs like Canterbury were on the radar. But the forward is believed to be happy and flourishing under Hasler’s tutelage.
The next big priorities for coach Hasler are re-signing star brothers Jake and Tom Trbojevic.