The Kaspersky Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are proud to announce they have recently secured the ongoing services of a number of key personnel until 2016 and beyond.
Forwards Jamie Buhrer, Brenton Lawrence and Tom Symonds have all committed to extending their stay at the Club, as well as flying winger and City Origin representative Jorge Taufua.
Sea Eagles General Manager David Perry congratulated the players for their efforts in 2014, as the club looks to continue on from the success of making their tenth straight NRL Finals series.
“Each of these players should be proud of their individual achievements in 2014. They’ve not only excelled with their performances on the field but also as role models off it,” he said.
“To retain each of these players despite interest from several clubs is a real coup. It’s all part of our evolving recruitment strategy to ensure our club remains highly-successful for many, many years to come.”
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Jamie Buhrer was one of Geoff Toovey’s most consistent performers in 2014. Having spent most of his career playing off the bench or as a utility, Buhrer took his game to another level with increased minutes, metres, tackles and runs for the side.
His season cruelly ended when he tore his ACL in Round 25 but after having undergone reconstructive surgery already, the always-positive Buhrer now has his sights set on an early return in 2015.
“Things didn’t end the way I would’ve liked this year but I’ve been taking all the necessary steps within my rehab in the hope that I’ll be ready to go in round one next year,” Buhrer said.
“It’s been a big year for myself in terms of playing 100 games for a club I’ve always dreamed of playing for. To have my future sorted for another few years is an awesome feeling.”
“We have a fantastic playing roster with some truly elite players and some talented youngsters coming through who I know are committed to building on the club’s success,” he added.
Like Buhrer, front-rower Brenton Lawrence took his game to another level in 2014. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as he won the team’s Best and Fairest for 2014 as well as taking home the Clubman of the year award for his tireless work in the community.
“I’m glad that the Club has shown faith in me. It’s been a great move for me to move to Manly and I’m happy to say I’ll be here for a little bit longer,” Lawrence said.
Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey believes Brenton’s determination and desire to succeed has got him to the level of where he is at today.
“Brenton has continued his fine form in 2014, leading from the front every week for us,” Toovey said.
“His dedication to get to this point in his career is an example all young footballers should look to and his selection this week in the Australian Kangaroos train on squad is a testament to that,” Toovey said.
Like Lawrence, Tom Symonds is another player who has relished the move since arriving in 2013. The back-rower had an impressive back-half to the season and is looking forward another two years in the maroon and white.
“Although our season ended earlier than we had hoped, to know that I’ll be coming back is already a really exciting prospect for me personally,” Symonds said.
“Manly is a great club and I love playing here, so I'm glad I can be a part of it for at least a couple more years. Thanks to all the members and supporters for their unwavering support for both me and the team.”
Jorge Taufua once again proved why he is one of the most damaging, young wingers in the game with an impressive 2014 despite playing with shoulder and ankle troubles for a large part of the season.
The Sea Eagles powerhouse, who has played 65 NRL games for the club, said he was happy to extend his time with the club.
"Manly is a great club with plenty of success. I’ve been a part of that already in my short career and I want to be part of that going forward too," Taufua said.
"While this year ended sooner than we wanted, I’m confident we’ll be back up there again."
Take a look at three of our best tries in 2014
Finally, local brotherly-duo, Jake and Tom Trbojevic, have also extended their stay on the peninsula with deals ensuring they remain at the Club until the end of the 2016 season.
Jake, who made his first grade debut in Round 26 2013, started 2014 in Luke Williamson’s NSW Cup side despite still being eligible to play Holden Cup. His early season form saw him represent NSW U20’s in Origin before a serious injury abruptly ended his campaign and forced him to undergo surgery on his ankle.
Meanwhile, Seventeen-year-old brother Tom was a deserved winner of the Kaspersky Sea Eagles Holden Cup Player of the Year after he set the Club’s under 20’s record with 20 tries in 17 appearances this season.
Recruitment Manager Dave Warwick said re-signing players the club has raised is always pleasing.
“Jake and Tom are both fantastic young men from the local area who have come through the Club’s development system with flying colours. They’re outstanding prospects,” he said.
“It’s a testament to the what we’re continually building here at Manly. We’ve got some impressive young talent in the likes of Liam Knight, Jesse Ramien, Rhys Armstrong and John Hopoate (Jnr) at present. Our junior ranks are looking as good as ever.”
