Manly back-rower departs early and moves to Huddersfield

In and out of the Manly Sea Eagles side this year, a new challenge awaits Tom Symonds, as the back-rower signs a 3-and-half year deal with the Huddersfield Giants.

Already in the UK and training ahead of the Giants upcoming clash, Symonds says he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Sea Eagles and leaves with nothing but good memories.

“I am very proud to have worn the maroon and white for the past four seasons,” Symonds said.

“It has been a great honour to play alongside many champion players and we have had some real highlights along the way.

“I would like to thank the Sea Eagles Members and fans for their support during my time at the Club. It was an honour to play for you.”

Symonds always harboured a move to the Super League at some point in his career and is excited at the opportunities ahead for him.

“I wish the Sea Eagles all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future,” Symonds said.

“I’m now looking forward to the next chapter of my rugby league career.

“Coming over to the UK was something I have always wanted to do. I sat down and really thought about it and decided it was the best option for me going forward and I’m excited for the new experience on the other side of the world.”

Symonds drew praise from Manly coach Trent Barrett for his efforts to the side.

“Tom has been a fantastic member of our playing squad and a great contributor for the Club over the past few seasons,’’ Barrett said.

“We wish Tom all the best in the future and thank him for what he did at Manly.”

Giants coach Paul Anderson admits that Symonds was a player that they looked at in the past, but his commitments to the NRL meant they could not sign him.

“Tom is a player we enquired about a few years back but he was still making his way in the NRL then and since then has gone on to establish himself at Manly,” Anderson said.

“We have been looking for a back rower for a considerable period so we were particularly pleased when one of our hundreds of calls down under proved fruitful in that Tom was looking for a fresh start in the UK.”