Canberra Raiders utility hooker Tom Starling has been linked to a move to the Manly Sea Eagles as the club looks to secure a long-term option at nine.
SEN's Bryan Fletcher has revealed he is hearing noise about a switch for Starling to move to the Northern Beaches after the emergence of Owen Pattie in the nation's capital.
Manly has lacked a world-class nine since the departure of Apisai Koroisau in 2019, with Lachlan Croker, Jake Simpkin and recently Brandon Wakeham holding down the dummy half duties since.
The club has a rising star in Ashton Large in the ranks who is still a few years off NRL level, and Starling acts as a perfect mentor to get the side rolling in the right direction.
Although Starling isn't even free to negotiate with rival clubs until November 1 this year, and is still contracted for next season.
Given Brailey is on his way to the Tigers next season, it's likely the Raiders will want to keep Starling around for depth coverage.
Starling started the year as the club's first-choice hooker, but finished with Pattie overtaking him in the ranks as the dummy half for the Raiders.
Zero Tackle has reached out to Starling's management for clarification on the SEN report.
Fletcher was live on-air where he put the question of Starling to Manly on current Sea Eagles kicking coach and Raiders legend Jarrod Croker.
"What's happened with Tommy Starling? There's a bit of chat he's coming to Sydney", Fletcher said on SEN League.
"I'm hearing Manly Sea Eagles."
Croker admitted he hasn't spoken to Starling in a few weeks, but conceded the club is lacking a long-term nine option moving into 2027.
"Well, they lost Lachlan Croker and Brandon Wakeham (has) done a good job, but they've been hanging out for a nine," Croker responded.
"I mean, Owen Pattie, (it's) gonna be hard to get that jersey back off him the way they're going."
Croker was all praise for his former teammate, with the duo sharing the field in four seasons from 2020 to 2023, saying he would be a fantastic pickup for most NRL clubs right now.
"Good person to have around the club, on and off the field, really good fella, Tommy," Croker added.
"And a good player, so is Owen Pattie. It doesn't surprise me that little bit of gossip. He'd be valuable at any club Tommy he's tough as nails."
Starling has over 150 games of experience in the NRL and remains one of the most dangerous threats out of dummy half with his running game.
