Manly Sea Eagles 2026 season preview
2025 recap
Manly finished a lowly 10th last year, as their inconsistency cost them dearly.
Their longest winning streak was a measly three games, as they dipped in and out of the top eight before unltimately falling short.
2025 position: 10th
Key signings
Jamal Fogarty (Canberra Raiders), Blake Wilson (Canterbury Bankstown-Bulldogs), Kobe Hetherington (Brisbane Broncos), Zach Dockar-Clay (Sydney Roosters)
Key departures
Daly Cherry-Evans (Sydney Roosters), Toafofoa Sipley (Warrington Wolves), Lachlan Croker (Retired), Josh Aloiai (Retired), Tommy Talau (Sydney Roosters), Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Canterbury Bankstown-Bulldogs), Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (Released), Dean Matterson (Released), Michael Chee Kam (Retired), Aitasi James (North Sydney)
Players to watch
If Manly are to get back in the top eight, Jamal Fogarty will be the key. The new arrival from Canberra will take over the mantle from club legend Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves, with DCE leaving for the Roosters after 15 seasons. Big boots to fill then for Fogarty, but he did help steer the Raiders to an unlikely Minor Premiership in 2025.
Following DCE’s departure, Reuben Garrick is another club legend who’ll be heading to the Roosters, but not until 2027. In the meantime, the man who sits 3rd on the club’s all time points list, will be hoping to kick the Sea Eagles back into Finals contention, and overtake Jamie Lyon in the process.
Young gun
Navren Willett is one to look out for in 2026 – not that you’ll miss him. The giant winger is one of the tallest players in the game, and with him potentially on one wing and Jason Saab on the other, the Sea Eagles will be a nightmare for opposition defences to deal with this year.
Our prediction – 9th
I’m expecting an improvement from Manly this year, but I don’t think it’ll be quite enough to crack the top eight. They’re a very good side, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they do make it. I just think there are eight better sides than them.
