Joey Walsh, the promising young halfback from Manly Sea Eagles, has begun discussions about his future, with the club keen to prevent him from entering the open market in November. The 19-year-old has made a strong impression recently, stepping in for Jamal Fogarty and showcasing his potential as the long-term number seven for the Northern Beaches team.
Manly has faced competition for Walsh’s signature before, particularly from rugby union rivals, as he played both sports during his formative years. Now, the club is working quickly to secure his commitment, as Walsh’s contract will expire at the end of 2027. If he chooses not to re-sign, he could become available for the open market starting in November. However, it is reported that Walsh prefers to stay with Manly.
According to recent reports, negotiations have already started between Walsh and the club, with Manly aiming to finalise a deal as soon as possible. Walsh is considered one of the top priorities for recruitment and retention, highlighting his importance to the team’s future.
While it is unclear whether Walsh will confirm his decision before Manly makes a call on their full-time coach, the current situation appears to be moving forward. Kieran Foran has led the team to five wins in six starts since taking over from the sacked Anthony Seibold, and this success could influence the timing of any major decisions.
Walsh is seen as a player with a bright future in representative rugby league, currently outperforming his peers at the same age. Compared to Kade Reed at the Dragons and Mitchell Woods at the Bulldogs, who has faced injury challenges, Walsh is ahead of the curve. His talent and potential have already drawn attention from both rugby league and rugby union teams, even if he remains with the Sea Eagles.
The club is aware of the interest surrounding Walsh and is determined to keep him within the Manly fold. With his youth and skill set, Walsh represents a key part of the team’s long-term strategy. As the season progresses, the focus will likely remain on securing his future with the Sea Eagles.
For now, the priority for Manly is to ensure that Walsh does not become a free agent, given his value to the team and the potential for increased competition if he were to enter the open market. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining where Walsh’s career takes him, and the club is working hard to make sure the outcome aligns with their vision for the future.
