The Manly Sea Eagles have made no secret of their desire to strengthen their forward pack — both for now and the future — with a number of key signings.
Their focus on highly touted young prospects has continued with the addition of talented back-rower Jackson Rodwell from the Sydney Roosters.
The young forward, who starred for the Roosters in the Under-17s Harold Matthews Cup, has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Manly according to Zero Tackle.
While Rodwell will join the club’s SG Ball Under-19s side next season, there is a belief he could quickly progress into the Jersey Flegg Under-21s squad, with an NRL debut potentially not too far away if his rise continues.
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A product of Scots College, Rodwell is regarded as a genuine dual-code talent, impressing in both rugby league and rugby union at schoolboy level.
His combination of strength, mobility, and skill has earned praise from scouts who believe he has the potential to develop into an NRL forward of the future.
While Manly endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, the steady stream of signings — including a new CEO appointment and the re-signing of superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic — has given fans reason for optimism.
Rodwell’s arrival is another step in Manly’s ongoing investment in youth, following the recent signings of Andes Johansson from Parramatta and Lachlan Metcalfe from the Roosters as part of a renewed commitment to developing from within.
The Orange-born prospect played a key role in the Roosters’ strong Harold Matthews campaign this year, helping the side reach the second week of the finals through his high work rate and physical presence.
Rodwell will now reunite at Manly with former Scots teammates Ashton and Onitoni Large, forming part of an exciting new generation of Sea Eagles talent expected to rise through the ranks in the coming seasons.
By all accounts, the Roosters were keen to retain Rodwell and rated him highly, with his move to the Northern Beaches said to have stung the Bondi club.
The Sea Eagles’ recruitment drive signals not just hope for a stronger 2026, but also the foundation of a youth movement that could sustain success for years to come.