Tom Starling's future has taken another turn, with the out-of-favour hooker now attracting interest from a second club after previously being linked with a move to the Manly Sea Eagles.

Starling was heavily linked with a potential switch to Manly for next season, with a player swap floated as a possible avenue for the Sea Eagles to secure his services.

However, Manly's pursuit has been complicated by their salary cap position, with the club needing to either create sufficient room to accommodate Starling or identify an equal player who could be included in a swap deal.

NRL Rd 6 – Eels v Raiders
DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Tom Starling of the Raiders passes the ball during the round six NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Canberra Raiders at TIO Stadium, on April 12, 2025, in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The Sea Eagles' interest stems from a belief that Starling still has plenty to offer at NRL level, despite his reduced role in the nation's capital this season.

The hooker initially began the year as Canberra's first-choice number nine, but his role changed as the season progressed, with Owen Pattie eventually taking over as the starting hooker.

Starling has subsequently been forced into a reduced role, averaging around 30 minutes per game off the bench from Round 19 onwards as Pattie has been preferred in the starting position.

Manly aren't the only club now monitoring Starling's situation, with The i Paper revealing that St Helens is set to prioritise the Raiders hooker as part of a major squad reshuffle ahead of Kevin Walters' arrival as head coach for the 2027 season.

It is understood Starling has commenced talks with Walters' Super League side.

NRL Fan Day
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 26: Sean O'Sullivan of the Bulldogs greets fans during a NRL fan event at the Freemont Street Experience on February 26, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Walters has already made his mark on the St Helens roster, with the incoming coach securing the services of Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker Sean O'Sullivan.

While Sam Verrills has previously been floated as an option at hooker, Starling is now understood to be at the top of St Helens' list.

Despite Starling being contracted to the Raiders until the end of the 2027 season, it was revealed last week that he has an informal agreement to be able to leave the Canberra Raiders as early as next season and therefore negotiate with rival clubs.

The 28-year-old has made 156 appearances in the NRL since his debut at the Knights in 2018.