Harry Grant free to negotiate; Manly eyes rugby league's best hooker
Harry Grant declined his 2028 option with Melbourne and is now free to negotiate with rival clubs, with Manly leading the pursuit.
Harry Grant, widely regarded as the world's best hooker, has chosen not to take up his 2028 option with Melbourne. From November 1, he became free to negotiate with rival clubs, and at least half a dozen teams are already circling.
Manly have signalled they will lead the charge to sign him, hoping to transform a squad that has struggled at hooker in recent years. The Sea Eagles have money in their salary cap after a roster cleanout following underperformance.
Grant has previously left Melbourne, spending 2020 on loan at Wests Tigers, a year he spent partly on Sydney's northern beaches where Manly is based. Sources told the media Grant enjoyed that time in the area.
As a Test-standard player, Grant has the skill and profile to reshape a club's fortunes.
- November 1
- Free to negotiate from
- At least half a dozen
- Interested clubs
- No. 9 (hooker)
- Grant's position
- Wests Tigers (2020)
- Previous loan club
Why it mattersSecuring Grant would give Manly one of the NRL's most influential positions filled by an elite player, potentially turning around years of on-field decline.
AustraliaThis free agency battle will reshape Melbourne's and Manly's 2028 seasons, and could affect other Australian clubs' recruitment plans as salary cap space becomes scarce.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
