Newcastle's Danny Levi is set to join Manly on a one-year deal after securing a release from the final season of his Knights contract, as reported by NRL Media.
The 24-year-old is understood to have more than $100,000 of his wage this year paid by the Knights after the club announced Levi's departure on Thursday.
Manly are yet to make an announcement on the deal, with the move being highly anticipated throughout the off-season as the Sea Eagles look to add depth to their hooker stocks.
The move will offer Levi a fresh start after falling out with Nathan Brown and losing the No.9 position to Cronulla import Jayden Brailey.
Levi could find himself as the starting hooker for Manly in their round one clash with Melbourne, with first-choice rake Manase Fainu currently unavailable through the league's no-fault stand-down policy.
Fainu has pleaded not guilty to allegations he stabbed a man during a church dance brawl, with his case next expected to feature in court on February 3.
Under the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy, Fainu is permitted to train with his teammates but is unavailable to play until the case is resolved.
The Tongan international is also suffering from an infection from recent shoulder surgery that is also placing his short term playing chances in doubt.
Fellow Manly playmakers Lachlan Croker and Cade Cust will be battling Levi for a starting position, with Levi the likely suitor given his NRL and international experience.
With a good attitude, he should do well under the Nutty Professor.
This kid is going to blitz it. Fainu would do well to get his spot back even if he does get off the stabbing charge
Not a great buy, but they got him cheap and he is certainly a better option than Cust or Croker at dummy half. But don’t get too excited Manly, Levi has had 85 games at Newcastle, failed to produce many decent games even being coached by a ex first grade hooker and mentored by Danny Buderus, Consistantly mediocre probably sums him up. And he has a chip on his shoulder that he he is entitled to a first grade spot , despite poor form. Des will have to manage him carefully. Api s a much better player.
@Pablo Theres no way Des would allow any chips on any shoulders in his squad.
And dont forget the riff raff he had around him at the knights during his stay didnt help his cause. A bunch of players that could only win 3 wooden spoons. That riff raff includes the useless former coach.
Its a different scenario now with a team capable of winning the comp and a very shrewd and successful coach.
Nutty Professor, I like that, good description of Des.
or the Mad Scientist