LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a bold move, Manly coach Anthony Seibold has secured the services of Haumole Olakau'atu, describing him as a player who can develop into one of the NRL's best.
With an $8 million-dollar extension until 2031, Olakau'atu's future at the Sea Eagles is secure.
The club moved quickly to prevent other teams from poaching him, with the Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra lurking.
Seibold believes that the 25-year-old is on the cusp of breaking into the NSW Blues side and is confident that his best years are still ahead.
The coach sees Olakau'atu's potential to play at the State of Origin level and views consistency as the key.
With his long-term career invested in by the club, Manly wants Olakau'atu to be a one-club player.
This lucrative eight-year deal makes him likely to finish his NRL career at Manly, only behind Gold Coast's Tino Fa'asuamaleaui's mammoth ten-year contract in length.