The Sea Eagles have reportedly made a move to secure the services of a player they consider to be their long-term hooker solution — Ashton Large.
According to Code Sports, the 17-year-old is set to be handed a mammoth contract which could extend his time at the Manly club beyond his current deal which expires in 2027.
The 17-year-old is the brother of Onitoni, who has also been earmarked as a playmaker of the future and was named in the Sea Eagles’ pre-season challenge team to face the Warriors.
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Long-term hooker Lachlan Croker medically retired last season, leaving Manly with Jake Simpkin. Zach Dockar-Clay and Zaidas Muagututia in their No.9 ranks.
Large is seen as the solution to their hooker headache in the future, having spent his second pre-season with the NRL squad in the lead-up to the 2026 season.
The teenage gun is set to be promoted Manly’s top 30 in 2027 as it stands, with a source within the club reportedly labelling him their most talented pathways prospect.
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Both of the Large brothers were heavily pursued by Rugby Australia after both played for the Junior Wallabies.
Interestingly, both of their contracts also run out at the end of the 2027 season — with Luke Brooks’ deal also expiring at the same time.
Onitoni is seen as Brooks’ successor in the halves and could also get an opportunity to make his NRL debut this season.