Promising Manly NRL half Tom Wright will play Super Rugby next season after signing a two-year deal with the Brumbies.
Tom Wright has decided to quit NRL club Manly and return to rugby union, signing a two-year deal with the Brumbies.
The 21-year-old was a promising schoolboy rugby union player and was on target for the Rio Olympics sevens team.
But his electric pace caught the eye of nine NRL clubs and he elected to knock back a lucrative Rugby Australia sevens contract and join the Sea Eagles in 2015, as their long-term replacement for Kieran Foran.
He made his NRL debut in 2018, scoring one try in his four appearances, but with his contract ending he has chosen to return to his first love.
Wright had an increased role at the Sea Eagles during the second half of 2018 thanks to an injury crisis in the halves at the Sea Eagles, which saw both Dylan Walker and Lachlan Croker spend time on the sidelines.
“Tom has genuine X-factor in attack with ability to create something out of nothing,” Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.
“He also possesses very good skill and we have said for some time now that to play our style of rugby we need to recruit players with good skill and Tom has that.”
Jock the sock
Guest
Did his knee on the last school game. His dad showed me his school highlights. Great schoolboy player and great u21s one of the best. Saw his game against the roosters in 1st grade 2018 and was a turnstile, had a shocker, never played 1sts again
Brett
Roar Rookie
Single handedly won them matches in the NYC. Had a tendency to drift in and out in attack and was questionable defensively in NSW Cup. Scored a great try in first grade showcasing his speed and balance. Definitely has something special attacking wise.
Taubada
Guest
Actually started as a rugby league player with the Coogee Wombats.
Taubada
Guest
In reality Wright was a disappointment with Manly. He was selected only once as a starter in 1st grade, and only lasted about 15 minutes before being hooked. He was a turnstile in defence. I watched him closely for some years and became convinced he is not an in side back as he displayed clumsy ball skills. Certainly has good pace and good size. I had hoped Manly would groom his as a winger and I was surprised when they let him go. I have the feeling they did not really coach him very well. He may do better in union where he will not have to cope with being targeted by big forwards running at him under the ten meter rule which certainly exposes backs suspect in defence.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Manly wasted his talent? Plenty of young stars come to clubs in the NRL including Hastings but never make it but to say it's the clubs fault is pretty lame. lets see how he goes in union. Hopefully he does well but if he doesn't , maybe it's him who is wasting his talent. If he was up to speed Manly would have tried to keep him or another NRL club would have been trying to grab him.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
"why they chased Jackson Hastings when they had him in the juniors beats me." Trent Barrett
WBGL
Guest
A great pick up for the Brumbies. He was instrumental in the Eagles under 20's side winning the grand final last year. Very fast, good step, good hands, very deceptive player, defence can be a bit suspect sometimes, shame the Waratahs didn't pick him up. Manly Eagles wasted his talent, why they chased Jackson Hastings when they had him in the juniors beats me.
Markus
Roar Rookie
I can only go on what I have seen in highlights, but looks to be a very promising option. Great footwork, good vision with the short kick options, and has deceptive pace for a first/second five-eighth. He may have the inside running for a match-day 23 spot already given his size advantage over Jackson-Hope and likely defensive advantage over Simone. Brumbies now have a lot of very young inside backs, particularly inside centres, on the books for next year. A huge lack of experience among them outside of Lealiifano, but hopefully a couple of them are able to develop over the next year or two to re-establish a potent attacking backline.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I actually looked him up. Was selected but never played a Schoolboys test. I wonder if he was pulled out of it after signing with NRL or was just injured.
Joeys 78
Guest
Two years Aussie school boys before going to league, originally out of Joeys.
PeterK
Roar Guru
always good news to get a player who started in rugby back from nrl.
Curl
Guest
He looks good, fast, strong and skills. Well done Brumbies, I look forward to seeing him in Super Rugby next year.
Tom G
Guest
As a Manly fan I’m really disappointed to see this kid go. I don’t think he was given much of a chance by the soon to be ex coach. I’m however a big rugby fan and delighted to see him get a pathway where I think he’ll shine. He was a superstar in the now defunct 20’s Premiership winning side just last year. Great stepper, good pace and loaded with skill.. not a bad defender too. Good luck to him
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
:(
Worlds Biggest
Roar Pro
Have seen a little bit of him, looks a decent prospect. Eagle Jack may be in the best position to comment !
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Could be a good prospect but a lot of laterally running in his highlights.
The Selector
Roar Rookie
I don't watch much league... Does anyone have any insight into this kid??