Taukeiaho’s second coming continues with new Manly deal
Scott Bailey |
Siua Taukeiaho’s career revival will continue at Manly, after the veteran front-rower agreed to a new one-year deal to stay at the Sea Eagles.
Offered a lifeline last summer after being sacked by Super League club Catalans, Taukeiaho was Manly’s most reliable forward in 2025.
An extension had been in the works for some time, but was largely delayed by the fact the managerless 33-year-old looks after his own affairs.
“Siua was tremendous for the team in his first year back in the NRL,” Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold said.
“Effort after effort, and just so consistent with his performances.
“We had a lot of injuries to our middles last season so Siua’s contribution to the team became even more important.
“He’s one of our leaders who shows the way week in week out. It’s great for the club to have Siua on deck for another season.”
A two-time premiership winner with the Sydney Roosters, Taukeiaho had first eyed a return to the NRL at the end of 2023 before he failed a medical at Canterbury due to a foot injury.
He returned to Catalans, but was axed by the club midway through 2024 when he skipped a training session to attend a concert while still injured.
But the Tonga international put pay to any concerns over his fitness last season, starting all 21 games he played for Manly.
Their pack has been somewhat bolstered for next season, with fellow starting front-rower Taniela Paseka due back from an achilles injury.
The Sea Eagles have also signed Brisbane premiership winner Kobe Hetherington after a big end to the year at the Broncos.
Davvy Moale remains some chance of arriving early from South Sydney if Manly can clear salary cap space for him, after he signed a three-year deal from 2027.
AAP
