Manly have finally kick-started their recruitment drive for 2019, signing Gold Coast five-eighth Kane Elgey on a two-year NRL deal.
A star at the Titans in 2015, 24-year-old Elgey has played just 43 games since his debut that season, with a knee injury ruling him out for the whole of 2016 while he’s battled to recapture his best form since.
He has played just eight games this year, only making his return against Penrith last Sunday after being dropped following round seven.
However he will get a second chance at Manly in what shapes as a battle to partner skipper Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves, likely going up against Lachlan Croker for the No.6 jersey next year.
“I’ve known Kane since he was 17 and playing on the Gold Coast have watched him progress through the grades, he’s a great kid and very dedicated,” said Manly assistant John Cartwright, a former Titans head coach.
“I think he’ll relish the opportunity and thrive with the quality of players that will surround him down here. He also gives us more depth in key areas.”
Elgey was first approached by Manly in 2015, when Cherry-Evans agreed to join the Titans only to backflip later, and he now becomes their first recruit for next season.
The move comes after fellow playmaker Tyrone Roberts recently signed to return to the Titans from Warrington in England on a three-year-deal.
Manly have battled a horror year off the field, that has also left them uncertain of what salary cap space they will have to play with in 2019.
A decision on whether they can appeal their salary cap sanctions is still pending, expected in the next month, as they face the prospect of beginning next year $330,000 behind the other clubs as punishment for breaches.
Trent Hodkinson is the only other player signed from elsewhere this year after joining the club mid-season, while hooker Apisai Koroisau is at least one current player to have had his contract renewed but not announced.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
If they had the dollars and a bit more off field cred,you suppose they would have re kicked the chase on Brock L.(an emerging blue)..but hes not quite at the last chance saloon of NRL career saving job seekers as Manly now finds itself..the silver from this tail is plucked.
Emcie
Roar Guru
A lot of people would see signing Elegy as proof that it's impacting them. He'd be well down most clubs wish lists
BA Sports
Roar Guru
What happened to "Boo hoo the poor Sea Eagles punishment was so harsh, they won't be able to recruit anyone for 3 years?" Supporting evidence to suggest, as we all know, the Sea Eagles got off almost scot free.
Noel
Guest
T Roberts and T Peachey. Along with Ash T, exciting times ahead for the Titans. I hope.
Noel
Guest
Joe, Mate, I feel a bit for Elgey. His defence isn't great, but this year especially, the defensive line around him has been chopped and changed and no combinations formed. I think he took a bit of a personal hit for something that was largely out of his control (ie selections). Lockyer wasn't a great tackler in the line, but always had a 'minder'. I saw a presser with Ryan James that alluded to the same thing. I hope he goes well (for his sake). He's got to be better in the line that Hodgko, particularly after the knee injury.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Steven Bell?
souvalis
Roar Rookie
With T. Roberts coming back..looks like a virtual punt..expecting round about the same level for the new coach for ‘19..
Nat
Roar Guru
He hasn't been out of form for that long. Watching him run around for Tweed he seems to be getting confidence back and he has the talent to play NRL. Let's hope he goes well for the Eagles for it's a great opportunity.
Nat
Roar Guru
He is stuck in between levels at the moment. You see him playing well above the ISC level for Tweed but not quite there atm for the Titans. Elgey and Sezer were going to be the next big things coming through u20s and for all their talent never really kicked on.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I had massive wraps on Elgey after that first season (?2015) for the Titans but he’s battled since doing his ACL. Hopefully he can play some good footy. What happened to Cameron Cullen? He was another Titans halves the Eagles signed. I just not saw him play 3-4 games for the Titans in the halves or at 9. He looked like he had some potential too.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Ben Kennedy? Brent Kite?
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yeah when he was touted to be coming to Manly when DCE was heading north, I was reasonably happy. He’s definitely a talent. But has struggled since injury. I don’t mind seeing him compete with Hodko and Croker. His defence needs work, but he outplayed Taylor on the weekend so he can play. I wonder if he plays well, after being ridiculed as a signing, and then moves clubs people will say he’s a “massive loss”?Kinda like what we are seeing with Shaun Lane now.
Forty Twenty
Guest
Croker's injured, Hodgkinson is a fill in , Walker is a centre and Tom Wright might not be ready yet. I can't recall DCE being lauded as a great signing years ago either. Only time will tell. Manly have played in 4 GF'S without signing any current rep stars except for Jamie Lyon who was then bagged as the most over rated player in the game. Manly aren't Manly any more the Roosters are Manly these days.
Muzz
Guest
Elgey was an exciting prospect whilst playing Holden Cup however hasn't developed much since then. A change of scenery may reignite his career.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well they don't have any money for a non-fringe player!
Albo
Guest
100% Joe ! Strange one for mine ? How many fringe first grade halves do they need to go with DCE ? Croker Hodkinson, Walker, Tom Wright and now Elgey ?
Joe
Roar Rookie
They will need to teach him how to tackle. His defence is terrible.