Rugby League World Abuzz with Signings and Setbacks Ahead of New Season
The rugby league landscape is buzzing with significant player movements and injury news as clubs gear up for the upcoming NRL season. In a massive boost for the Manly Sea Eagles, star player Tolutau Koula has committed his future to the club, signing a lucrative five-year contract extension. This deal, keeping the 23-year-old Tongan international at Brookvale Oval until the end of the 2031 season, signals the Sea Eagles’ strong intent to build around their homegrown talent. Koula’s outstanding form last season, where he bagged an impressive 17 tries in 22 appearances and was deservedly named Manly’s 2025 Roy Bull Player of the Year, had attracted interest from several rival clubs, including the newly formed Perth Bears.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold expressed his delight at securing Koula long-term. “Tolu’s form last year was simply outstanding and deservedly, he was our player of the year,” Seibold stated. “In the three years that I’ve coached Tolu, I’ve seen a guy who has obviously got great athletic ability, but his consistency, his efforts at training, and his ability to break tackles has been there for all to see.” Seibold further lauded Koula’s humility and passion for the club, identifying him as a cornerstone of Manly’s future. “We are all thrilled he has committed long term,” he added. Koula, who made his NRL debut in 2022, has already amassed 38 tries in 82 appearances for the Sea Eagles. Manly will commence their 2026 campaign at home, 4 Pines Park, against the Canberra Raiders on Saturday, March 7.
Storm Star Coates Faces Extended Layoff
In less positive news for Melbourne Storm fans, winger Xavier Coates is set to miss the opening three months of the NRL season after requiring Achilles surgery. The Queensland representative suffered a partial Achilles tear during last year’s grand final, and despite a dedicated pre-season rehabilitation program, surgery has been deemed the best course of action to ensure a full recovery.
“Xavier has put in a huge amount of work across pre-season and has been able to make positive steps in his recovery,” said Storm football director Frank Ponissi. “Unfortunately, he has not been able to progress as we would have hoped, and with the season fast approaching, surgery has been determined as the best course of action.” Coates enjoyed his most prolific season for the Storm in 2025, crossing for 20 tries in 22 games. His absence will undoubtedly place further pressure on the Storm’s pursuit of former Parramatta Eels playmaker Zac Lomax, who is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club. Lomax’s release from his contract was contingent on the Eels’ written consent, a situation complicated by his intended move to a rebel rugby competition that has since been postponed. For their upcoming trial match against the Gold Coast Titans, former New Zealand rugby sevens star Moses Leo has been named to fill the void on the wing.
Roosters’ New Recruit Robson Sidelined
The Sydney Roosters have also been dealt a significant blow with star signing Reece Robson set to miss the first month of the NRL season. The NSW Origin hooker suffered a broken hand just two weeks shy of the Roosters’ season-opening clash in New Zealand. Robson is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, a setback that will delay the assembly of the Roosters’ formidable playmaking spine, which includes captain James Tedesco and livewire halfback Sam Walker, alongside Robson and fellow new recruit Daly Cherry-Evans.
Robson’s recovery timeline means he will likely miss at least the Roosters’ opening four fixtures against the Warriors, Rabbitohs, Panthers, and Sea Eagles, with a bye scheduled for round five. The 27-year-old joined the Tricolours on a lucrative four-year deal, fending off attempts from North Queensland to retain him. Robson arrived at the Roosters as the incumbent NSW No. 9 from the past two State of Origin series. In Robson’s absence, fellow NSW Origin representative Connor Watson is a strong contender to start at dummy-half, while Samoan international Benaiah Ioelu also impressed in a similar role last season.
Perth Bears Poised to Sign Origin Star
The ambitious Perth Bears are reportedly on the verge of securing their first State of Origin representative, with Sifa Talakai confirming he is strongly considering a three-year offer from the new NRL franchise. Talakai, who recently welcomed his fourth child, sees the move west as a significant opportunity to secure his family’s financial future. The appeal of Perth is also deeply personal, as it was the city where he made his NRL debut and played his first Origin game for New South Wales.
“It’s something my partner and I have been talking about, and we know it’s a great opportunity – why wouldn’t you want to go over there and be a founding member as well,” Talakai commented. “It’s going to be hard to get a deal done here at Cronulla. If I had the opportunity to stay, I would, but it’s not about me any more. It’s about what’s best for me, my partner and my family.” The versatile forward, who can play through the middle, on the edge, and in the centres, acknowledged the emotional aspect of potentially leaving the Shire. “I don’t want to stand in the way of any players coming through. I’m definitely entertaining the Perth deal.” Bears coach Mal Meninga has long admired Talakai’s versatility and has indicated he would primarily be used as a middle forward in Perth, emphasizing that a move to the new club is a significant “life decision.”
The Perth Bears have already made several notable signings, including Toby Sexton, Tyran Wishart, Nick Meaney, and Josh Curran, with Scott Sorensen also linked to the club.
Canterbury Bulldogs Hit by Thompson Injury
The Canterbury Bulldogs have suffered a major setback with key off-season recruit Leo Thompson ruled out for up to three months due to a calf tear. The New Zealand prop was a late withdrawal from the Maori All Stars match after reporting calf pain, with scans confirming a grade-three tear. Canterbury head of football Phil Gould confirmed the severity of the injury, stating, “Ten weeks return to play at this stage, it is what it is, we move on; tough game rugby league.”
This news comes just a day after five-eighth Matt Burton was cleared of a hamstring tear, an injury that saw him leave the field during the Bulldogs’ trial match against Newcastle. Gould indicated that Burton would be fit to play in the Las Vegas season opener against St George Illawarra if he’s right, though the club has the option to be cautious given their round-two bye. Sean O’Sullivan, a potential replacement for Burton, expressed his readiness to partner Lachie Galvin in the halves, while still backing Burton to be fully fit.
Former Sea Eagles CEO in Running for England Rugby League Top Job
In administrative news, former Manly Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov has emerged as a leading candidate for the chief executive role at the Rugby Football League (RFL) in England. The RFL, which governs the Super League and the England national team, is searching for a new leader following the departure of Tony Sutton. Mestrov, who served as CEO of Manly for three-and-a-half years, is reportedly a person of interest in the ongoing recruitment process. During his tenure at Manly, Mestrov navigated significant challenges, including legacy issues and legal claims against the club. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at Greyhounds NSW, the Gold Coast Titans, and Hockey NSW, as well as a playing career in England. The RFL is seeking an experienced individual to help revitalise the sport in England, with the NRL reportedly considering taking over the administration of the game in the country due to financial difficulties faced by some English clubs.
