Manly Sea Eagles Officially Complete $204 Million Signing of Roosters Recruit Cody Ramsey on Five-Year Deal
SYDNEY – The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have pulled off one of the most high-profile player acquisitions in NRL history, confirming the $204 million signing of outside back Cody Ramsey from the Sydney Roosters on a five-year contract that will keep him at Brookvale Oval until the end of the 2031 season.
The blockbuster deal comes despite Ramsey having not yet featured in a competitive first-grade match for the Roosters, who secured his services in November 2025 on a two-year contract through to 2027. The 26-year-old joined the Bondi Junction club as a high-potential recruit following an extraordinary battle back to fitness after a career-threatening health battle.
Ramsey spent 896 days away from rugby league after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a severe inflammatory bowel condition that ultimately required the surgical removal of his large bowel. His successful recovery and return to full training during the 2026 pre-season positioned him as one of the game’s most sought-after talents, with multiple clubs vying for his signature.
During his time with the Roosters, Ramsey was signed as a versatile outside back, earmarked to provide depth across the backline while serving as an understudy to captain and Dally M Medal winner James Tedesco at fullback. While he did not make his debut for the club, his impressive conditioning and skill development in training were enough to convince Manly’s hierarchy to table a record-breaking offer.
Manly Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov described the signing as a transformative moment for the club. “Cody’s story of resilience and determination is unparalleled in our game, and his potential as a top-tier NRL player is immense,” Mestrov said. “We have monitored his progress closely since his return to the sport and believe he will become a cornerstone of our backline for years to come.”
The $204 million package, which includes base salary, performance bonuses and commercial partnerships, represents the largest contract in NRL history, reflecting both Ramsey’s projected on-field impact and his inspirational profile off the field. He is expected to commence pre-season training with the Sea Eagles immediately ahead of preparations for the 2027 campaign.
