Reuben Garrick has broken his silence on his pending departure from the Manly Sea Eagles, admitting it was a “bloody tough” decision.
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Since debuting with the Sea Eagles in 2019, Garrick has become one of the most reliable performers for the Northern Beaches side over the past seven seasons and has been a regular fixture in the back-line, which has seen him register over 150 appearances.
However, the 28-year-old decided in November last year that he wanted to explore the next chapter of his career and shocked many by signing with the Sydney Roosters, who have also lured ex-teammates Daly Cherry-Evans and Tommy Talau to the club.
Speaking on Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns, Garrick opened up on the decision to leave the Sea Eagles and ink a three-year contract with the Roosters until the end of the 2029 season.
Admitting that it was “bloody tough” to leave his current side, it is understood that they did table him an offer to keep him on their books, believed to be over $1 million.
The St George Illawarra Dragons were also rumoured to be interested in Manly’s third all-time point scorer at the time.
“It was bloody tough. Obviously, I’ve been at Manly for quite a few years now, this will be my eighth season there and I love the club,” Garrick said.
“They’ve given me my opportunity (and) I have learnt so much there (and) have so many lifelong friends there…so it was very, very hard to make. One that decision and weighing everything up.
“And two, the hardest part was telling the boys and having those conversations which is tough. (They are) people you’ve played a lot of footy with and you trust and there’s a lot of loyalty there.
“I think it’s the best thing for myself to grow and learn off a new system. I feel like I just want to grow and learn a few new things.”
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Confirmed to be joining the Roosters in 2027, Garrick stated that there was no thought of pushing for an early release, which would have seen him link up with the Tricolours 12 months earlier than expected.
“The whole time through it all I was up front and honest with Seibs and the Manly ownership,” he added.
“I said as soon as I know I’ll let you know straight away, I’m not going to try and hide anything.”
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