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AAP
AAP
Scott Bailey

Manly keep Brad Parker amid salary cap squeeze

Brad Parker has signed a new Manly deal and is set for a ninth and 10th season with the Sea Eagles. (Jenny Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Manly have re-signed off-contract centre Brad Parker on a two-year deal, after freeing up salary cap space to keep the local junior.

One of the most popular players at the Sea Eagles with 29 tries in 117 games since 2016, Parker has entered the off-season without a contract amid a salary cap squeeze at the club.

That situation has now been resolved, with the 26-year-old locked into the northern beaches club until the end of 2025.

"The thing I like about Brad is his toughness and his consistency," coach Anthony Seibold said.

"The way he plays, he is the best advertisement for that Manly mentality we talk about.

"We are looking at playing Brad as a bit more of a utility player. We think that he can play back-row and centre.

"Brad is just a tough competitor and a good defender. You just know what you are going to get from him."

His signature comes after Jake Arthur and Ethan Bullemor each signed extensions to stay at Manly earlier this week.

It also leaves Aaron Woods as the sole regular member of their side from this year without a deal for 2024.

The club are still keen to keep Woods and prolong his career into a 14th season, but it is expected he will be retained on a deal outside of the Sea Eagles' top 30.

Under new rules in place from next year, players are able to be picked for the NRL team from outside of the top-30 squad from round one.

Previously they had been forced to wait until after round 11, unless an exemption was granted by the NRL.

Manly are expected to release second-rower Kelma Tuilagi to Parramatta and fullback Kaeo Weekes to Canberra, freeing up cap space for 2024.

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