Curtis bucks Sironen trend, signs at Manly

Nov 8, 2016 - 5:11 AM Wests Tigers second rower Curtis Sironen has bucked with family tradition, leaving the club to take up a two-year deal with Manly.

Sironen, the son of 247-game Balmain legend Paul, will link with the Sea Eagles until at least the end of 2018 - despite having two years to run on a freshly signed contract at the Tigers.

He will come to Manly as a like-for-like replacement for Newcastle second-rower Jamie Buhrer, who the Sea Eagles pushed out the door last month.

"Curtis can play through the line, before the line, and he has got a kicking game," Manly coach Trent Barrett said.

"He is a big edge back-rower with plenty of ability."

"He is what we were looking for and we were really fortunate that this opportunity to secure him came about late."

The 25-year-old has played 65 games for the Tigers, scoring eight tries and representing City Origin three times.

However he struggled with injuries in 2016, averaging just 54 metres and 22 tackles in eight NRL games while also spending time in reserve grade.

"This is a good fresh start for me," Sironen said.

"I want to be playing first grade.

"I want to show what I can do. I want to reach my potential and I'm sure I can do that here at Manly."

The Sironen name has not left the Tigers for good though, with younger brother Bayley returning to pre-season training on Tuesday.

Source: AAP