Sydney club eyes new spine player

A Canberra Raiders hooker has been linked with a move to a Sydney outfit.

Tom Starling, Canberra’s utility hooker, has been linked with a move to Manly Sea Eagles, as the club looks to secure a long-term option at nine.

SEN’s Bryan Fletcher has confirmed he is hearing noise about a move to Manly for Starling.

The 28-year-old’s contract with Canberra runs out at the end of next year, and he can negotiate with rival NRL clubs from November.

“Well, they’ve lost Lachlan Croker and Brandon Wakeham has done a good job, but they’ve been hanging out for a nine,” Raiders legend Jarrod Croker said.

“Good person to have around the club, on and off the field, really good fella, Tommy.”

With over 150 NRL appearances, Starling would join the side and mentor the club’s young players.

Ashton Large is in the club’s ranks, but he is still believed to be a good few years away from first-grade minutes.

Starling would help guide the youngster as he works toward first-grade appearances for Manly.

In 2026, the 28-year-old played 23 times for the Raiders, who finished 11th on the ladder.