Manly, however, took a punt on Suli when his $1.3m deal with Canterbury lasted only a month. The Dogs had approached Suli after he was sacked by Wests Tigers for disciplinary reasons.

Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler has worked hard on Suli and after a rocky start with his weight. He ballooned to 124kg two summers ago, then was later dropped for a game against Souths for not meeting the coach's standards last season.

But Suli is now starting to live up to his hype.

And the kid from Fairfield who turns 22 next week also knows Manly are a chance of winning a premiership in coming years, especially if Daly Cherry-Evans and the Trbojevic brothers can remain healthy. He must decide if winning a competition or a big contract is more important to him.

The Dragons do not look like challenging for a title for another few years yet, while there is also uncertainty about who will be in charge.

The Sea Eagles do not have much cash to splash the next couple of years.

Suli's agent Mario Tartak confirmed he and Suli had kept a close eye on what was happening at the Dragons, who are desperate for some strike out wide.

The Dragons already suffered a retention blow when Tyson Frizell, who made it clear he wanted to win a premiership, announced he would leave for Newcastle on a three-year deal worth just over $2m.