“I LEFT UNFINISHED BUSINESS HERE AT MANLY SEA EAGLES” – FORMER STAR TONY FRANCIS TO RETURN IN 2027 AFTER FINISHING GOLD COAST TITANS STINT
Former Manly Sea Eagles winger Tony Francis has confirmed he will return to the club at the end of the 2026 season, signing a multi-year contract to rejoin the Northern Beaches outfit after completing his final campaign with the Gold Coast Titans. The 25-year-old spoke emotionally of his desire to “finish what he started” at Manly, where he began his professional rugby league journey before moving to the Gold Coast in 2023.
Francis made the announcement at a joint press conference held at Manly’s 4 Pines Park headquarters, flanked by Sea Eagles CEO Stephen Humphreys and Titans head coach Des Hasler. “This is where it all began for me – I came through the Manly pathways as a teenager, and when I left three years ago, I knew deep down there was unfinished business here,” Francis said. “I’ve grown so much as a player and a person on the Gold Coast, but my heart has always been tied to the Sea Eagles. I’m committed to giving my all to the Titans this season, then I’ll be back to help bring success to this club and its fans.”
The winger’s rugby league journey has been marked by consistent growth and impressive on-field performances. After departing Manly’s feeder system in 2022, Francis joined the Burleigh Bears – the Titans’ Hostplus Cup affiliate – where he enjoyed a standout 2023 season. He crossed for 21 tries in 18 matches, including a memorable hat-trick in the Grand Final victory over the Redcliffe Dolphins, earning him the competition’s Top Try-Scorer award and a spot in the Titans’ Top 30 squad for 2024.
His NRL debut came in Round 5 of the 2024 season against the Newcastle Knights, where he scored a try on debut and showcased the blistering pace and strong defensive work rate that have become his trademarks. Over the past two seasons with the Titans, Francis has made 37 first-grade appearances, scoring 19 tries and establishing himself as a reliable option on the flank, with his ability to read plays and contest high balls making him a valuable asset in both attack and defence.
Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell praised Francis’s professionalism and commitment to the club ahead of his final season. “Tony has been an important part of our squad’s development over the past three years, and we’re thrilled he’ll be with us for the 2026 campaign,” Mitchell said. “He’s made it clear he wants to leave the Titans on a high note, and we’ll be supporting him every step of the way as he aims to deliver his best football yet this season.”
Manly Sea Eagles head coach Anthony Seibold expressed excitement at welcoming Francis back to the fold. “Tony was a talented young player when he left us, and he’s developed into a proven NRL winger,” Seibold said. “His experience, try-scoring instinct and connection to our club’s culture make him the perfect fit as we build towards success in 2027 and beyond. We’ll be cheering him on with the Titans this year, knowing he’ll be ready to hit the ground running when he arrives at Manly.”
Francis will remain with the Gold Coast Titans for the entire 2026 NRL season, with his contract at Manly set to commence in November 2026 ahead of pre-season preparations for the 2027 campaign.
