Exclusive: Storm GM Ponissi breaks silence on Manly links

Melbourne Storm general manager Frank Ponissi has ruled out a move to the Manly Sea Eagles, after reports emerged the club were attempting to lure him north.

Following the sacking of coach Anthony Seibold, reports broke that the Sea Eagles board was considering an approach to Ponissi, who was born in Manly.

However, the veteran GM, who has been at Melbourne since 2007, revealed he has no plans of leaving the Victorian club where he is happily contracted until the end of 2029.

“It’s a bit embarrassing, all this media stuff,” Ponissi told SEN Afternoons.

“We should be talking about players and coaches… not 60-year-old football managers.

“It’s been obviously a slow media week up north.

“(I’ve got) no idea where this has come from, but I haven't spoken to anyone for a start.

“Regardless, I've got three years remaining on my contract and I'm very happy where I am.

“(I) love the club, love the people I work with and love what I do so no idea where it came from and the sooner it ends, the better.

“More importantly, and it's really important, too, is that they've got a terrific GM (general manager) and a fellow called Peter Gentle. He's a good man and he's a good operator.

“I have no idea where this came from and hopefully it ends.

“I've got more important things to worry about this week with trying to win a game of footy and help Craig (Bellamy) and the coaches and the players, and more importantly, look after the health of one of our players.”

Ponissi is considered one of the smartest minds in rugby league, playing an integral role in the Storm’s two-decade era of dominance.

The Storm GM is currently in the midst of one of his greatest challenges at Melbourne, building and strengthening the club’s junior pathways systems in the AFL-dominated city.

In 2025, the Storm’s Jersey Flegg side were crowned premiers for the first time in club history, while local junior Sua Fa'alogo is currently dominating at fullback in the absence of Ryan Papenhuyzen.

Jersey Flegg premiership players Cooper Clarke and Preston Conn have made their NRL debuts this season, with Clarke today inking an extension with the club until 2029.

Ponissi reiterated his goal over the coming years is to continue to develop the club’s junior pathways, to ensure more Victorian juniors graduate through to the NRL.

“(I’m) probably annoyed more than surprised (about the rumours) to be honest but it is what it is,” Ponissi said.

“I'm really excited over the next few years.

“I've spoken before on the show about what we're doing in our pathways.

“I'm really passionate about it, and anyone that's worked with pathways knows it's a slow build.

“You need patience, you need time, and I'm going to have plenty of that over the next few years, and I'm really looking forward to what we can do with some, really outstanding young players coming through the system.

“That's what really excites me for the next few years.”