Harry Grant Turns Down His Storm Option for 2028, and Manly Are Said to Be Leading the Race
Harry Grant has chosen not to take up his player option with Melbourne for 2028, and Manly are reported to be preparing a major offer for the Kangaroos hooker. He is free to speak to other clubs, and he is playing for Australia in the semi-final against Samoa on Sunday.
Free to talk since 1 November
Nine’s The Mole column reported that Grant had an option his way for 2028 and decided not to use it. That leaves him one of the players who can negotiate with rivals now that 1 November has passed, and Nine said he will be in demand from at least half a dozen clubs.
Zero Tackle, which picked up the story, described Grant as one of the biggest stars available to talk to other clubs for a 2028 deal. The same window has already moved the market for others. We covered Nathan Cleary’s decision to stay at Penrith and Bradman Best’s contract situation this week.
Why Manly
The Mole wrote that Manly are considering a “massive play” for the “world’s best hooker”. “I’m hearing Manly, who have struggled in the key hooking position in recent years, will lead the race for the crafty No.9,” the column said.
Nine reported that the Sea Eagles are cleaning out their roster after a couple of under-performing years and will have plenty of room under the cap. It also said sources close to Grant told nine.com.au he spent much of his 2020 loan year at the Wests Tigers on the northern beaches, the heart of Manly territory, and enjoyed it.
Zero Tackle pointed out that the club’s dummy-half spot has been unsettled since Apisai Koroisau left in 2019, with Manase Fainu, Danny Levi, Lachlan Croker and Jake Simpkin all used there since the turn of the decade.
What is not known
Nobody has said Grant wants to move. Zero Tackle noted it is unknown whether he has any interest in Manly, or in living in Sydney, given he is originally from Queensland. Plenty of players are reluctant to leave Melbourne, according to Nine, but it added that Grant has done it before.
Grant has other things on his mind this week. He is in the Kangaroos camp preparing for Samoa at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, and we covered James Tedesco’s last game for the Kangaroos earlier this week. The World Cup table has the results that got Australia here.
