Why Manly has given third chance Moses Suli an NRL lifeline

IT’S his third club in a month and the last chance to turn his career around.

A confronting reality for a kid who’s still only 19.

Moses Suli is expected to front for training on Monday as he restarts his career with Manly.

The troubled teen has agreed to a bottom dollar one-year-deal.

It was an easy offer for the Sea Eagles to make.

Just like Canterbury, the Sea Eagles are well aware of his past and the challenges they may face, but they didn’t hesitate in offering the NRL lifeline.

Why? Because a usually reserved and shy Suli is on his last legs and joining a team filled with his closest friends.

For Suli to turn his career around, it’s all about putting the fun back in football.

Not only do the Sea Eagles trust they can do that but they’re confident they can provide an environment Suli wants to be in.

While Suli was a loner at the Bulldogs, eager to return home as soon as he could, he’ll be surrounded by those who support and care about him on the Northern beaches.

Manly’s NYC skipper Manase Fainu heads that list.

Foxsports.com.au revealed last week that Suli spent the 2017 finals series following the Manly NYC team around.

Seven of his closest friends were part of the 20s team which upset Parramatta to claim the premiership and Suli watched from the stands.

Fainu has been promoted to the top squad this season after re-signing with the club last year.

Holden Cup centre Tevita Funa is another of Suli’s friends in the top squad.

Suli and Funa grew up playing their junior football together before the talented Sea Eagles centre moved to Brookvale.

He’s so talented, he’s pushing for an NRL debut this year and could find himself going head to head with Suli for a spot in the NRL side.

With many of his new teammates living in Sydney’s west, a car pool has already been organised to get Suli to training.

The Tongan international will ride share until he gains his drivers license in June.

The other factor is moving was under 20s coach Wayne Lambkin who coached Suli as a Schoolboy at Westsfields Sports High.

Having struggled to adapt to the demands of a professional rugby league player since making his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers last year, it is hoped being surrounded by so many friends will keep him motivated.

Suli is still recovering from injury. His weight is a concern and he’s managing an issue with his back as a result of the added kilos.

He’ll be given time to shed the weight and will start the season in the lower grades.

Suli is still eligible to play 20s this year but could find himself playing ISP NSW for Blacktown once his body is right.

Three days after he was cut loose by the Bulldogs, he’s added a new training kit to his wardrobe.

While the contract hasn’t been lodged with the NRL due to Manly’s ongoing salary cap investigation, the Sea Eagles have the roster availability with all spots needing to be filled as per the NRL rules regardless of the outcome of the salary cap ruling.

Here’s hoping that spot can stay filled by Suli all season. That’s up to him.

 

Author: 
www.nrl.com