Manly players overjoyed as future superstar reveals massive news
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The Manly Sea Eagles have secured a major piece of their future, locking down young gun Joey Walsh with the announcement of a two-year contract extension on Wednesday afternoon.
The club has been keen to re-sign the 20-year-old prodigy since his debut in 2025, and Walsh has now been secured until the conclusion of the 2029 season.
Joey Walsh was one of the best players on the field in his starting NRL debut. NRL Images
“Playing for Manly is what I dreamed of as a kid and I have absolutely loved the past couple of years,” Walsh said.
“I have learned so much in a short space of time, and I look forward to continuing to grow as player in the years ahead.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity that I have been given here at Manly, and I’m really excited about our future as a club.”
Telling his teammates during training on Wednesday, Walsh’s announcement was met with raucous cheers from a joyous playing group when they heard the news.
As it stood, Walsh’s contract finished at the end of next season, putting him in the sights of multiple NRL clubs who were eager to pitch him a move if the Sea Eagles failed to extend him before November 1.
But coach Kieran Foran understood the 20-year-old’s importance to the senior team and made sure to invest in Walsh’s future with the club he grew up idolising. Walsh now joins Clayton Faulalo as recent extensions for Manly under Foran.
“Joey’s a very special talent and we are super excited to see him continue his development into the player we all know he can be,” Foran explained.
“He’s a wonderful young man who is well liked and respected by his teammates and everyone involved with the club.
“He’s a player who works really hard on his craft, he has a thirst for knowledge, and I can see a very bright future for Joey here at the Sea Eagles.”
Manly play at home on Saturday night against the Melbourne Storm, with Walsh named on the bench.
