Manly Sea Eagles have locked in the services of teenage forward Hugo Hart, with the club confirming a new three-year deal for the rising talent.
Hart, who only joined Manly at the start of the 2025 season, has made swift progress through the club’s development pathways, despite having played fewer than 20 games of rugby league.
The 18-year-old, who turns 19 next week, is already turning heads with his athleticism, maturity and hunger to improve.
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From American Football to the northern beaches
Hart’s journey into league has been anything but conventional. A few years ago, he was playing American Football in Southern California, lining up as a safety and linebacker in Varsity games alongside NFL-bound talents like Cleveland Browns’ Mason Graham.
But after returning to Australia and starring in Nudgee College’s First XV title-winning team, Hart made the leap to league and hasn’t looked back. Manly Head of Football Peter Gentle first spotted him playing for Nudgee against Brisbane Grammar.
“I was really impressed at first by his athleticism and speed,” Gentle said. “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.”
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Hart, who’ll remain on a development contract for two more seasons before stepping into the club’s top 30 in 2028, said the transition has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club this year and I have learnt so much from both the players and the coaches,” he said. “It’s a great club to be a part of and I’ve felt right at home from day one. I’m really looking forward to the next few years and hopefully the start of a long and successful career here at Manly.”