‘His best footy is in front of him’: Taniela Paseka inks new Sea Eagles deal on back of career-best form

The Sea Eagles have continued their signing spree with one of the game’s most improved players inking a new deal to stay at Manly.

The Sea Eagles have continued their recruitment and retention drive by handing Taniela Paseka a new two-year deal. Picture; Jason McCawley/Getty Images

The Sea Eagles have continued their recent re-signing spree by handing hulking prop Taniela Paseka a two-year extension to stay with the club until the end of the 2026 season.

Paseka’s decision to stay comes just weeks after the club re-signed Josh Schuster and Tolu Koula, while they’ve also poached Luke Brooks, Tommy Talau and Jaxson Paulo from 2024 onwards.

The Sea Eagles have locked in Taniela Paseka until the end of the 2026 season. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Paseka has long been considered one of the most talented big men in the competition but it’s taken him a while to find his feet, with the 197cm man mountain taking six seasons to reach his potential.

The 25-year-old is averaging 50 minutes, 14.9 carries and 134m per game – all career highs – with only three other prop forwards making more metres than him in 2023.

Paseka is averaging career-high numbers this season. Picture; Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“This has been Taniela’s most consistent year of NRL with him being our starting front-rower all season,” Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold said of the prop who is closing in on 100 NRL appearances.

“He has closed the gap between his best and his worst games.

“I think by giving him some responsibility as that starting front-rower, he has done a really great job being a more consistent footy player and that comes down to his preparation, which has been good each week.

“Taniela is well settled here at Manly and his best footy is in front of him over the next couple of years.”