In a big day for the Manly Sea Eagles, they have granted NSW Origin forward Anthony Watmough a release from his contract.
Watmough had been widely reported to be seeking a release to join the Parramatta Eels in the 2015 NRL season, but until now no confirmation had been forthcoming.
A Manly junior, 31-year-old Watmough has played 278 games for the Sea Eagles, on top of eight games for the Northern Eagles, claiming two premiership rings in the process.
Geoff Toovey expressed disappointment to lose a player like Watmough.
“Anthony is a local junior, a two-time premiership winner and a life-member of the Club. I’m disappointed to lose a quality player such as Anthony Watmough.”
“He has been an integral part of the success here at Manly for many years.
“We wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his service to the Sea Eagles.”
Often considered to be Manly through and through, it may look strange to some fans to see him in different colours next season.
The Sea Eagles have moved quickly to replace him, though, signing released Warriors forward Feleti Mateo, Knights discard Willie Mason and Siosaia Vave. They have also extended the contract of 32-year-old centre and captain Jamie Lyon for two years, keeping him at the club until the end of 2016.
Mason’s future was in limbo for a period, but he seemed happy with his move to the northern beaches.
“I’m excited to be joining the Sea Eagles. It’s a highly-respected club with a history of success,” Mason said.
“Everyone talks about the culture here and the winning mentality, so I’mlooking forward to being a part of that next season.
“This is my third NRL club now and I’ve done pre-seasons at other clubs but I really want to show Geoff [Toovey] and the coaching staff that I’m ready to rip in from the get go.”
The addition of Mateo will help offset the loss of Watmough and Glenn Stewart, and will provide Manly with another ballplaying forward option to give diversity to their attack.
mick
Guest
Um yeah, but nah.
mick
Guest
Watmough did not put in at all in the semi loss to Souths. Go have another look at the game, nothing but arm grabs, brushed by Inglis with a one hand fend that left him on the ground. it was clear for all to see he was not putting in 100% - something as a Manly fan i had never seen before, and is the reason why i am happy he has gone - bigger payday for him, and more harmonious team environment for manly. i dont begrudge him going - when you are reaching the end of your career, you go for the big final payday. Its safe to say he wont be in a commentary role after football, therefore needs as much coin as possible.
Parrafan
Guest
Definitely Mason. He is still fired up and proving points. Rose was slovenly and unwilling to put in the hard yards at Melbourne. Manly picked the right time to offload him.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
I meant 'shrewd', obviously! Haha!
Haz
Guest
I'm looking forward to seeing Jake Trbojevic secure a spot in first grade, but Geoff's definitely been holding him back, giving him a few more years to toughen him up. I liked the look of Andrews... don't know why we haven't seen more of him. Sene-Lefao looked like he could make the grade in the finals; once he discovered he could run with aggression. Although Lui was named at lock when starting, I reckon he makes a better prop. Hasson is large, but not quite sturdy enough for the front row. I think they'd be better off letting him drop some weight, pick up more speed and run as a second-rower (see some of his highlights from U20s at the Sharks).
Haz
Guest
That's true. But you can see the others follow. Foran is the most obvious example, but DCE also puts in the hard work in defence. I think there must be something to playing under one of the toughest (and smallest) halfbacks ever to play the game--they don't have any excuse for Sandow-style rubbish when Toovey never backed down from cutting down the biggest players on the field.
Muzz
Guest
So who offers more these days, Mason or Rose ?
Casper
Guest
Gees EJ, you've got a kid with no experience outside the touch footy style U20's in the green and gold already. Give me a break, I'll put it in the 2020 calendar to get back to you. I know a big under 10's front rower you might want to sign just after you buy that coat hanger over the harbour.
The eye
Guest
The losses here far outnumber the gains..
Doug Graves
Guest
This is good news for the rest of the league. Manly aren't making the finals now!
HarryT
Guest
Agree Haz, but I think it is happening one year too soon.
HarryT
Guest
I was meaning the culture of toughness that got Manly the hard wins. It is something that is separate from talent and teamwork and existed between the players despite a chaotic head office. The Stewarts, Lyon, Choc and Matai lead the way for the others to follow.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Tend to agree but props are a pretty hard to come by. You only have to look at the Australian team last weekend. A couple of injuries and we had Thaiday and Parker playing in the middle! Lawrence and Starling will be better for the run this year, the first time they have had to lead a pack. The addition of Mason is great. Vave is ok. Trbojevic will wear the green and gold one day. And Hasson, Tetavano, Andrews and Sao provide adequate cover. Not the greatest front-row rotation, but they managed to still run equal first this year with less depth. Injuries killed them at the death. Their backs will ensure they win more games than they lose.
Parrafan
Guest
Hold on Brumby. Contesting the top 3 next year. North Queensland whilst having a great pack haven't been able to translate that to a top 4 for some time. The Roosters and Souths both have mighty packs and I can agree that is one reason for them contesting the premiership in the last 2 years for Roosters and 3 years for Bunnies. As for coming in striking distance of the above three, Manly beat all those three teams (Roosters twice) this season on the back of one of the best hookers in the game and a forward pack that was written off. They finished in the top 4 but faded out in the semis with a massive injury toll. Their pack was written off all this year but still got them in striking distance of the GF qualifier and a top 4 finish so I wouldn't be too quick to write them off next year.
Spoungeworthy
Guest
Great great signings. I was only chatting to a mate a few months ago that Manly needed to pick up someone like Big Willie. He'll be great both on and off the field, to help lighten things up and give a bit of leadership to their young forwards.
tigerdave
Guest
Struggle tto make the top 6...I agree, but do well to match the almost extinct Dragons...that's a long sword to draw. The not so magic Dragons den is pretty bare of quality players.
Schuey
Guest
BrumbyJack you are spot on. Manly badly need to sign a prop who can bend the line.
Schuey
Guest
"Watmough was the only Manly forward who had a go in their embarrassing semi final loss to Souths. Buhrer, Hodges, Horo and Lawrence were all passengers." I can see where you are coming from BrumbyJack. The Sea Eagles forwards were lightweight last year. Buhrer, Horo. Sene Lefao and Symonds are good players but are too small to physically dominate in the tackle. This puts even more pressure on the Manly front rowers to at least get parity at the ruck. I am not sure they can; Lawrence is class but is too small to dominate. Hasson is rubbish, I'd let him go. Starling is a trier but gets ragdolled. That leaves 35yo Mason to carry the pack. I can see the Manly really struggling upfront unless Tooves signs another top quality Prop.
Haz
Guest
They have some depth in the backs. They have two gun young fullbacks that could certainly play on the wing (Tom Trbojevic, Clint Gutherson). They have also two potential wingers who can start in Cheyse Blair and David 'Wolfman' Williams. Peta Hiku can play anywhere (and long-term I'd play him at centre), and Tony Satini did a decent job for a game or two at centre when Lyon was injured.
tigerdave
Guest
Matai has been trying to get out for some time on and off. He is a totally different character than Choc. He doesn't sulk and act like a little child and spit the dummy when things don't unfold for precious little Choc. Matai gets on with life and plays really good football. At present, Manly could not afford to lose him. You are so right, Manly did the right thing and let him walk. No good making him (not) play next season and upset the team morale.I reckon if he wasn't released a few more settled players would have been looking for out. DCE would have been on the phone to Brisbane who seemingly don't have a salary cap.