IS THIS A JOKE? NO I CAN’T STAND AND WATCH THIS HAPPEN: Manly Sea Eagles National Rugby League Halfback Geoff Toovey has rejected Contract Extension, as he want to…..see more..

In a shocking turn of events that has left fans across the Northern Beaches shaking their heads, Manly Sea Eagles star halfback Geoff Toovey has officially rejected the club’s latest contract extension offer. Sources close to the club say that Toovey’s decision was not made lightly—but what has everyone truly stunned is why he walked away from a deal that would have kept him at Brookvale Oval for the next three years.

According to insiders, Toovey stunned teammates and coaching staff alike when he called an impromptu team meeting yesterday morning, reportedly declaring, “I just can’t stand and watch this happen. I need something different.” While the club has not released an official statement, multiple reports suggest that Toovey’s reasons go far beyond salary negotiations or playing time concerns.

So, what is Geoff Toovey after? Rumor has it that the Sea Eagles’ inspirational halfback is setting his sights on a completely unexpected venture: becoming a professional wildlife photographer in the remote outback of Australia. Friends of Toovey say the 34-year-old has been secretly obsessed with photographing kangaroos and emus in their natural habitats for years, often bringing his camera to training sessions. “He’s always been a bit of a camera nut,” said one teammate. “We just thought it was a hobby. Now we realize it might be a full-time career move.”

The announcement has left Sea Eagles fans divided between shock, disbelief, and… amusement. Social media platforms were flooded within hours with memes featuring Toovey posing heroically with a rugby ball in one hand and a camera in the other. Hashtags such as #TooveyThePhotographer and #HalfbackWithAPassport quickly trended, reflecting the mix of incredulity and admiration fans are feeling.

Club officials were reportedly blindsided. “We thought Geoff loved the club as much as we do,” said one anonymous Sea Eagles executive. “He’s been a cornerstone of this team for years. Then we learn he’s going to spend the next few seasons crouched behind a bush photographing wallabies. It’s… unexpected, to say the least.”

Coaches are scrambling to understand how they could have misread their star player’s intentions. “We thought the guy lived and breathed rugby league,” said the head coach during a press conference. “But apparently, he also lives and breathes ferns, eucalyptus trees, and really long, windy dirt roads. Who knew?”

Despite the surprise, there are whispers that Toovey’s decision might not be entirely personal. Analysts suggest it could also be a strategic move to draw attention to wildlife conservation efforts in Australia. “It’s the kind of move only Geoff would make,” said former rugby league commentator Darren Lockyer. “He’s always had a knack for doing the unexpected. Maybe this is his way of making a statement—both about life and the environment.”

Fans who rushed to the club’s merchandise store yesterday were met with a surreal scene: some trying to exchange Toovey jerseys for kangaroo-print gear, others simply standing in stunned silence, unsure how to react. One longtime supporter summed it up best: “I’ve seen players retire, get traded, even move overseas—but this? Walking away from a top-tier NRL contract to chase kangaroos? That’s something you only see in cartoons.”

Teammates have reportedly taken Toovey’s decision in stride, with a mix of humor and admiration. Team captain Daly Cherry-Evans joked, “Well, at least we know who to call if we need a wildlife calendar for the locker room.” Others are reportedly organizing farewell training drills that include playful references to cameras and wildlife, giving Toovey the send-off he deserves.

Analysts are already speculating about the long-term impact on the Sea Eagles. Some fear that losing a veteran halfback could disrupt team chemistry, while others argue that the club’s next generation of talent might finally get the chance to shine. “The team will adapt,” one commentator said. “But for fans, seeing Toovey walk away like this—it’s going to sting for a while. Especially when Instagram starts filling up with photos of him hugging wombats.”

Meanwhile, Toovey himself remains tight-lipped about the future, beyond hinting at a “big adventure” that could involve both remote landscapes and close encounters with Australian wildlife. In a brief statement posted on social media, he wrote:

> “Sometimes life gives you a choice. Rugby will always be part of me—but right now, the wild is calling. Time to answer.”

As the rugby world tries to process this unprecedented career move, one thing is clear: Geoff Toovey has once again shown he’s not just a player, but a man willing to follow his passions, no matter how unexpected. Whether the move proves successful or leaves fans scratching their heads for years to come, it will certainly be remembered as one of the strangest—and most entertaining—chapters in NRL history.

In the meantime, Sea Eagles supporters will have to adjust to life without their halfback, while keeping one eye on the horizon for what promises to be a series of breathtaking wildlife photos—and perhaps the occasional cameo of Toovey leaping across a muddy rugby field, camera in hand.

In conclusion, whether you call it bizarre, courageous, or just plain crazy, Geoff Toovey’s choice reminds us all that even in the world of professional sport, life’s greatest adventures sometimes lie far beyond the stadium lights. And while some may wonder if this is a joke, one thing is certain: this is very, very real.