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Manly Sea Eagles recruit Jake Arthur.Credit:Manly Sea Eagles

While Manly had been on the lookout for a utility player to help them for the rest of the season – they had registered an interest in Bulldogs playmaker Kyle Flanagan – they’ve also offered Arthur a deal for 2024,giving him the chance to establish himself a regular NRL player.

Arthur scored in last year’s grand final defeat against the Panthers and has played 22 NRL games for the Eels,having been handed a debut by his dad during Magic Round in 2021.

The Sea Eagles confirmed Arthur’s signing on Monday before Seibold announces his team on Tuesday afternoon for the trip to Newcastle.

“Jake adds depth to our squad,particularly in the halves,” Seibold said. “We feel he also has got the ability to be a ball-playing forward with his size and defensive capabilities.

Jake Arthur will join the Sea Eagles in an immediate switch from the Eels.Credit:Getty

“Jake comes with great pedigree having played in last year’s NRL grand final and having come through the Parramatta system as an elite junior.

“This is an opportunity for Jake to experience different coaches,different club environment,and he adds to the depth of our program,particularly with 10 players currently unavailable out of our top 30 for this weekend’s game.”

Arthur has handled criticism from sections of Parramatta’s supporter base with class,and recognised his chance of securing his long-term future would be away from the Eels,who have recently handed long-term contracts to Moses and Brown.

Moses officially signed a five-year deal last week,with player options in his favour for the final two years,while Brown could be tied to the Eels until 2031,the longest contract offered to an active player,if he takes up certain options.

Arthur has made only one appearance for the Eels in the NRL this season,deputising for Moses at halfback in their round 11 loss to the Raiders in Canberra.

“He’s been really good for us,” Arthur’s Eels teammate Junior Paulo said. “Ever since he was a kid being a ball-boy for us he’s been around the group and I guess it’s an opportunity for him. He’s been able to learn off the quality of players around him with Mitch and Dyl there.

“I think Manly have got themselves a great player because he’s always put the team first no matter what he’s done,and he’s always put others before him. He’s definitely ready.”

The Sea Eagles and Eels are due to meet at CommBank Stadium on June 17,a match in which Cherry-Evans will miss given he will be on Origin duty.

It could see a father coaching against his son,reminiscent of when Ivan Cleary prepared the Tigers against son Nathan’s Panthers.

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