The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have officially locked in their leadership structure for the 2026 NRL season — and it’s a statement of intent. With a blend of experience, vocal direction, and action-driven professionalism, the club has unveiled a seven-player leadership group designed to raise standards and reshape the team’s culture heading into the new campaign.
The announcement follows the appointment of superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic as club captain, a move that immediately signaled a fresh era at Manly. Head Coach Anthony Seibold, who has long emphasised accountability and internal standards, now has a leadership team that reflects those values from top to bottom.
Turbo Takes the Helm
Trbojevic’s promotion to captain was met with widespread praise, and Seibold made it clear that the decision came down to much more than Tom’s reputation or highlight-reel brilliance.
“He’s not just a world-class player – he lives by his actions, day in, day out,” Seibold said.
Turbo’s new role places him at the heart of Manly’s direction for 2026, and Seibold was quick to point out the importance of leaders in key positions. From fullback, Tom will be expected to guide the backline, support playmaking combinations, and bring vocal authority to the field.
Trusted Lieutenants: Jake Trbojevic & Haumole Olakau’atu
Joining Turbo at the leadership table are two players already deeply respected within the playing group. Jake Trbojevic, the steady, emotional heartbeat of the club, and Haumole Olakau’atu, the explosive second-rower and rising face of the forward pack, both retain their vice-captaincy roles.
Their continuity ensures stability in a season of new beginnings. Jake’s calm influence and Olakau’atu’s presence on the edge bring balance to the leadership mix — one voice grounded in loyalty and consistency, the other in power and on-field example.
New Additions Bring Fresh Energy
Four players have been added to the leadership group for 2026: Luke Brooks, Reuben Garrick, Siua Taukei’aho, and marquee recruit Jamal Fogarty.
Between them, these seven leaders have played 1240 NRL games, but Seibold stressed that longevity alone wasn’t the reason for their inclusion.
“It’s more than that,” he said. “They all have a wealth of experience — but they live by their actions.”
Brooks’ composure in the halves, Garrick’s consistency across multiple backline positions, Taukei’aho’s championship pedigree, and Fogarty’s calm organisational style give the team a leadership core that touches every area of the field.
Seibold specifically highlighted the importance of positional leadership.
“Certain positions, like Turbo at fullback and Jamal at halfback, need to lead through their voice as well — and they both have the capacity and ability to do that.”
For Fogarty, newly arrived in maroon and white, this early endorsement reflects his reputation as a natural communicator and steadying influence. His presence alongside Brooks gives Manly the kind of experienced halves guidance they’ve lacked in recent seasons.
New Support Behind the Scenes
Manly’s leadership group will also benefit from off-field expertise. The club has welcomed Aaron Greaves as Coaching Development & Leadership Manager. Greaves arrives from AFL environments at Carlton and Port Adelaide, bringing with him a track record of building strong internal leadership systems.
“We’re fortunate to have Aaron on board,” Seibold said. “He’s had a lot of success in driving and improving leaders.”
Each leader will now oversee a specific area of the program — a structure meant to increase ownership, clarity, and accountability. It’s a model that has proven effective across professional sports, and Manly believes it will lift standards across the squad.
Four Weeks In, Foundation Set
The Sea Eagles are now four weeks into their pre-season campaign, laying the groundwork for what the club hopes will be a breakthrough year. The squad will continue training until December 20 before breaking for Christmas.
With a newly defined leadership group, a fresh captain, added experience in key positions, and dedicated off-field support, Manly’s roadmap for 2026 is clear: higher standards, stronger unity, and a return to the NRL’s elite.
If the early signs are anything to go by, the Sea Eagles are building more than just a team — they’re building a culture ready to fly.