EX-SEA EAGLES FORWARD DE LUIS INKS NEW BURLEIGH CONTRACT FOR 2026
Former Manly front-rower extends QLD Cup stay after standout 2025 campaign
Former Manly Sea Eagles front-rower Kurt De Luis has signed a new contract with Burleigh Bears that will keep him in the QLD Cup until the end of the 2026 season, continuing his rugby league journey after last playing in the NRL in 2022.
The 29-year-old feeder club player for the Brisbane Broncos has earned his extension on the back of a standout 2025 campaign, where he played 21 matches and delivered consistent performances across the park. De Luis scored one try, made 15 tackle busts and racked up an impressive 935.7 post-contact metres – a testament to his strength and ability to make metres through traffic.
His defensive work was equally impressive, with 599 tackles completed over the season, while he averaged 118 running metres per game for a total of 2483 metres. These numbers convinced the Bears to lock him in for another year, with the club citing his wealth of experience as a key asset for their 2026 squad.
A South Perth Lions junior, De Luis made his NRL debut with Manly in 2021, going on to play 12 matches for the Sea Eagles over two seasons before moving to the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup. There, he tasted grand final action in back-to-back years, further building his reputation as a reliable and competitive forward.
In 2025, he made the switch to Burleigh and quickly established himself as a mainstay in the Bears’ pack, bringing his hard-running style and defensive grit to the QLD Cup competition. As a feeder club for the Broncos, De Luis will also provide valuable depth for Brisbane’s NRL squad, with the potential to be called up if needed throughout the 2026 season.
The contract extension marks a significant milestone for De Luis, who has carved out a solid career in reserve-grade rugby league since leaving the NRL, proving his commitment to the sport and his value to his team.
