Forward for the Sea Eagles is released immediately and joins a new team.
In order to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sean Keppie has officially been released from the Manly Sea Eagles for the balance of his contract.
The Rabbitohs announced on Friday morning that they had signed the prop to a three-year contract, confirming the rumors that had been circulating for a few weeks.
Keppie will remain in Redfern as a result of the move until at least the conclusion of the 2026 season.
A highly regarded youngster, Keppie has shown promise in the first grade, but has occasionally found it difficult to get regular playing time in the Manly system, first under Des Hasler and then under Anthony Seibold in the latter’s first season as manager in 2023.
The club has Thomas Burgess and Tevita Tatola, who will probably control their starting spots in 2024, but Keppie’s move to Redfern will open up new opportunities for players like Davvy Moale and Shaquai Mitchell, who will now be joined by Keppie. Burgess is also expected to leave the team at the end of 2024.
Mark Ellison, the head of football at South Sydney, noted that Keppie had been on the team’s radar for a while.
“We’ve been watching Sean for a number of seasons, and he has developed into a strong front rower with controlled aggression in both defence and attack,” Ellison said in a club statement confirming the announcement.
Sean has been a major contributor to Manly having one of the most formidable forward packs in recent years.
His dedication to serving the community has also impressed us, and we are excited to welcome him into Souths Cares and their life-changing initiatives, which all of our players participate in throughout the year.
“We’re excited to see Sean wear the red and green jersey in 2024 and beyond. He will be joining our squad in November for pre-season training.”
Since making his NRL debut in 2019, Keppie—a junior for the Narellan Jets and a former Australian Schoolboys representative—has played in 79 games for the Sea Eagles.
