Eels snare Sea Eagle Lussick

Promising Manly prop Darcy Lussick will leave the Sea Eagles at the end of the year to join Parramatta on a three year deal.

The Eels beat off competition from a number of clubs to sign the 22-year-old, who was a key part of the Sea Eagles’ march to last year’s premiership.

Salary cap issues appear to be the reason why Lussick was forced to leave Brookvale but he was nonetheless delighted to join Parramatta.

“I was really impressed with the plan Steve Kearney and Peter Nolan have in place to turn the Eels around and I’m excited to be part of it,” Lussick told the Eels’ official website.

“For me it was tough to leave Manly because I’ve loved every minute of my footy there and I am grateful for everything they’ve done for me.

“But from what I’ve seen at Parramatta I think I’ll enjoy my footy there and although they aren’t getting the best of results at the moment, I think there’s some really good times ahead for the Eels.”

Parramatta currently sit last in the NRL table but under pressure coach Stephen Kearney says Lussick’s capture is a good sign.

“Results on the field have been tough to come by this year but what’s positive for us is a young man like Darcy Lussick, who had the opportunity to play at a number of other NRL clubs, has chosen to come here and is genuinely excited about what we’re doing here,” Kearney said.

“He’s a young player with plenty of ability and we’re looking forward to having him on board from the 2013 season onwards.”