Symonds released from Roosters to play for Manly in 2013
IT WAS a move that angered Roosters fans, but Tom Symonds is more than happy to be joining Manly this season.
Symonds, born in Paddington, raised in Bronte, schooled in Randwick and a junior at Bondi United, was released to join the Sea Eagles.
The Roosters' decision even raised the ire on caller Andrew Voss, labelling it "sad" on his Twitter profile.
Symonds was initially shattered to leave his junior club, but is looking forward to a new dawn on the northern beaches.
"I'm heartbroken to be leaving the only club I have ever known, but this has been my decision to make. As tough as it's been to do this, I feel that it's in my best interests," he said.
"But at the same time, I'm looking forward to a fresh start and to hopefully having the opportunity to play some more regular first grade footy."
Roosters' chief operating officer Brian Canavan said Symonds was a fantastic clubman, but he was released with his long-term playing future in mind.
Meanwhile, Penrith's 2012 rookie of the year Josh Mansour re-signed for another year, while the Knights signed Travis Waddell for two years.
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