Levi leaves Knights to take up Manly offer

Danny Levi is set to link with Manly on a one-year deal immediately after securing a six-figure payout from the final season of his Knights contract.

Levi's arrival at the Sea Eagles has been anticipated for much of the summer given Newcastle's willingness to entertain a 2020 release and Manly's need for depth at hooker.

NRL.com understands that the Knights will kick in more than $100,000 of Levi's wage this year.

The Knights officially announced Levi's departure on Tuesday afternoon, but the Sea Eagles are yet to make an announcement about the signing.

The move to Narrabeen offers Levi, 24, a fresh start after falling out of favour under Nathan Brown, and then behind Cronulla signing Jayden Brailey in Newcastle's No.9 pecking order.

In turn the New Zealand international could well find himself starting for Manly in their round one blockbuster against Melbourne with first-choice rake Manase Fainu's currently unavailable under the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy.

Fainu has pleaded not guilty to allegations he stabbed a man during a brawl at a church dance, with his matter next due for mention in court on February 3.

Under the NRL's no fault stand-down policy Fainu has been training with his Manly teammates but will not play until the case is resolved.

The Tongan hooker is also recovering from an infection resulting from shoulder surgery that also puts his immediate playing future in doubt.

Also on Manly's books are playmakers Lachlan Croker and Cade Cust, but Levi looms as a more viable hooking option with 83 NRL games, four Tests for New Zealand and another for Samoa under his belt.