The Manly Sea Eagles and Wests Tigers are reportedly exploring a blockbuster player swap as both NSW-based clubs gear up for the 2026 NRL season.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Wests Tigers’ Jack Bird and Manly Sea Eagles’ Nathan Brown could be on the move — a switch that could prove mutually beneficial for both the clubs and the players.
While the former NSW Blues stars remain under contract with their respective clubs until the end of 2026, both are reportedly open to a switch, having been linked with exits in recent months.
The 32-year-old Brown has cemented his place in Manly’s forward pack over the past two seasons, making 34 appearances for the club after a challenging final stint with the Parramatta Eels and a brief spell at the Sydney Roosters.
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Brown quickly became a fan favourite with his strong carries from the back row and is now aiming to return to the form that saw him selected for the NSW Blues in 2020.
But hitting those heights at Manly has been difficult, and this isn’t the first time he’s been linked with a departure — a proposed swap with South Sydney involving Davvy Moale was previously turned down.
Meanwhile, struggling to make an impact since joining the Wests Tigers this season from the St George Illawarra Dragons, Jack Bird has reportedly been given permission by the club to explore his options on the open market.
Expected to be a key figure in the evolving Tigers squad, the versatile player managed just 17 games this season, 13 of which came off the interchange bench.