The Manly Sea Eagles have bolstered their depth in the outside backs after signing Wests Tigers centre Starford To’a on a two-year deal.
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To’a is set to make the move to the Northern Beaches from the start of next season despite being originally contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2028.
The Tigers confirmed in a statement on Monday afternoon that both the club and To’a had mutually agreed to an early release.
To’a has played in the Tigers’ two recent games against the Titans and Dolphins, although otherwise he has been in and out of first grade.
It may be hard for To’a to get much of a run at Manly either, with Clayton Faulalo recently extending until the end of the 2029 season.
That likely locks him into a long-term spot in Manly’s backline along with Jason Saab (2029), Tom Trbojevic (2027), Lehi Hopoate (2027) and Tolu Koula (2031) with To’a adding some much-needed depth along with Blake Wilson with Reuben Garrick leaving at the end of the year.
The Tigers, meanwhile, have plenty of options in the backline with Heamasi Makasini (2029), Patrick Herbert (2027), Sunia Turuva (2030), Taylan May (2030), Tino Tavana (2029) and Jahream Bula (2030) all contracted beyond next year while Jake Averillo has also reportedly signed on a long-term contract and could be an option in the backline.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall wished To’a “all the best” for the “next chapter of his career”, but added that the versatile 25-year-old will play an important role for the remainder of 2026.
“This is my fifth season at the Tigers, and I want to make the most of the time I have left here,” added To’a.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity at the Sea Eagles and I know I will be super excited to join Manly once my job here is done.”
Sea Eagles head coach Kieran Foran called To’a, who made his international debut for Tonga in 2023, a “quality player”.
“We look forward to welcoming him and his family with open arms next season,” Foran added.
