The Sea Eagles' urgent search for another centre has resulted in the immediate signing of 22-year-old Sam Smith on a two-year deal.

The Australian journalist and Sporting News contributor Brent Read reported last week that Manly was scouring the market, with Moses Suli and the stood-down Dylan Walker on the outer.

"The word is Manly is desperate for a centre, and that's because those two guys [Suli and Walker] will be gone by year's end," Read told Sporting News.

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Walker is yet to play a game this season having received an indefinite suspension under the NRL's no-fault stand-down rule as he fights a domestic violence charge.

Suli, meanwhile, started the opening three rounds but was dropped last weekend for failing to meet team standards.

He has earned a recall for Saturday's game against the Knights after an injury to Tom Trbojevic resulted in a reshuffled backline.

But the addition of Smith could prove the writing is on the wall for Suli and Walker.

Smith, a former under 20s player with the Broncos and Cowboys, was released from the Panthers' Canterbury Cup ranks and joined Manly on Friday.

The 198cm outside back was thrown into the Sea Eagles' reserve grade team the following day and bagged a try in their victory over South Sydney.

We are pleased to welcome centre Sam Smith to the Sea Eagles. 🦅



📝- https://t.co/J5WG8tBNMm #ManlyForever pic.twitter.com/UWP94kJsNs — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) 9 April 2019

Smith helped Penrith to the minor premiership in the 2018 NSW Cup competition, scoring six four-pointers. He played with the Queensland Central Capras in the Intrust Super Cup in 2017.

While the youngster is yet to feature at NRL level, he has a fan in Manly coach Des Hasler.

“Sam is a very, big powerful centre with plenty of pace and is a solid defender,’’ said Hasler.

“He is a welcome addition to our playing squad and will add to our depth in the key outside backs area."

The Sea Eagles have also been heavily linked to Dragons centre Euan Aitken.