DEVASTATING BLOW FOR MANLY: PASEKA TERMINATES CONTRACT AFTER ACHILLES SURGERY
Manly Sea Eagles have been dealt a crushing blow today with confirmation that star prop Taniela Paseka has officially terminated his contract following surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon — cutting short a promising long-term tenure that was set to run through 2029.
The 27-year-old suffered the catastrophic injury midway through the first half of Sunday night’s Round 3 victory over the Canberra Raiders, a win that now feels bittersweet for the Brookvale Oval faithful. Paseka was immediately taken from the field and underwent emergency surgery to address the damage, but the severity of the injury has forced the mutual termination of his contract.
In his time at Manly, Paseka established himself as one of the competition’s most formidable front-rowers, renowned for his damaging runs through defensive lines and exceptional tackle efficiency. His consistency in the pack saw him rise to become a settled leader, with highlights including reaching his 100th NRL game and signing multiple long-term deals that reflected the club’s faith in his potential.
Remarkably, Paseka even attracted interest from the NFL in recent years, with American scouts impressed by his athleticism and physical presence. However, his loyalty to Manly never wavered, and he chose to remain at the club where he had become a fan favourite and a key enforcer in the forward pack.
The loss of Paseka leaves a significant void in Manly’s forward rotation, particularly given his ability to set the tone in the early stages of games and provide crucial impact off the bench. As the club comes to terms with the news, attention will now turn to reshaping their pack for the remainder of the season, while Paseka focuses on his long road to recovery and what lies ahead in his rugby league career.
For a player who had cemented his place as a cornerstone of Manly’s future, the sudden end to his time at the club marks a devastating chapter in both his personal journey and the team’s 2024 campaign.
