Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are delighted to announce a contract extension for exciting young forward, Hugo Hart, who has signed a new three-year deal.
The 18-year-old second row joined the club ahead of the 2025 season after being recruited from renown rugby school St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Brisbane.
Hart, who turns 19 next week, has rapidly progressed through Manly’s pathways teams in his first year of league and in his first year at the club.
On Saturday Hart will play just his eighteenth game of rugby league when he runs out against the Knights at 4 Pines Park. It will be his ninth appearance in the NSW Cup after playing four games in the SG Ball Cup, followed by five games in Jersey Flegg.
It’s been quite a journey to the northern beaches for Hart who only a few years ago was playing American Football after moving to Southern California with his parents when in his early teens.
Hart soon became an accomplished ‘safety’ and ‘linebacker’, playing Varsity Football along with several NFL hopefuls, including the likes of Cleveland Browns DT Mason Graham, who was Pick 5 in this year’s NFL Draft.
Hugo played a key role in Nudgee College’s first XV championship-winning team last year, before his move to Manly.
Sea Eagles Head of Football Peter Gentle caught his first glimpse of Hart playing for Nudgee against Brisbane Grammar.
“I was really impressed at first by his athleticism and speed,” said Gentle.
“Hugo is still young and is still learning rugby league, but he’s settled in well and is hungry to learn.
We all look forward to seeing his continued development here at Manly.
Peter Gentle Sea Eagles Head of Football
Hart is excited about his future in rugby league and his next few years at the Sea Eagles.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club this year and I have learnt so much from both the players and the coaches,” Hart said.
It’s a great club to be a part of and I’ve felt right at home from day one.
Hugo Hart
“I’m really looking forward to the next few years and hopefully the start of a long and successful career here at Manly.”
Hart will be on a development contract for the next two seasons before moving into the club’s top 30 in 2028.
