MANLY HIT WITH ANOTHER SETBACK: SCHOUPP TERMINATES CONTRACT AFTER NASTY ACL
Manly Sea Eagles have confirmed more bad news today, with utility Aaron Schoupp officially terminating his contract following a devastating ACL injury that had already ended his 2025 campaign and cast doubt over his 2026 future.
Schoupp suffered the major anterior cruciate ligament rupture in a non-contact incident during the final game of the 2025 NRL season against the New Zealand Warriors, when a sudden direction change led to his knee collapsing. The injury immediately set alarm bells ringing at the club, sidelining him for much of the upcoming 2026 campaign.
In a recent interview with Zero Tackle, the versatile player opened up about his rehabilitation progress, revealing that he would not be returning to Manly for 2026 — a decision that has now been formalised with the termination of his contract. The news comes as a surprise given the club had previously extended his deal for 2026, citing his potential, strong running game, and ability to cover multiple positions across the backline and forwards.
During his time at Manly, Schoupp played a crucial role in adding depth to the squad, bringing a relentless work ethic to every appearance. While he faced significant challenges — including prior injuries and limited first-grade opportunities, featuring mainly in the NSW Cup — he made his mark with key bench cameos that showcased his versatility and determination.
The loss of Schoupp adds to Manly’s growing list of setbacks, depriving the club of a valuable utility who could step into multiple roles at short notice. As the Sea Eagles prepare for the 2026 season, they now face the task of replacing his squad depth while Schoupp focuses on completing his rehabilitation and exploring new opportunities in the game.
For a player who had earned a contract extension on the back of his promise, the sudden end to his Manly tenure marks a disappointing turn in a career that had only just begun to find its footing at the NRL level.
