Manly have signed young Newcastle Knights five-eighth Chris Bailey for the next three NRL seasons.

Bailey has been in strong form this season, the 24-year-old Inverell junior scoring three tries in Newcastle's 38-26 loss to Wests Tigers in Newcastle on Sunday.

Bailey debuted for Newcastle in 2006 and had played 13 games in the NRL prior to the 2007 season.

His elder brother Phil Bailey formerly played with Manly and the Northern Eagles before switching to the Cronulla Sharks and Wigan in the English Super League.

"I'm delighted my future beyond this season is now settled," Bailey said.

"The Knights have been great to me and they will get everything I have for the rest of the season.

"It was a tough decision to make but the chance to play at Manly where my brother had such wonderful success was a big influence as was the entire set up and professionalism.

Manly coach Des Hasler said he regarded Bailey as an outstanding player.

"He is a talent we have had our eye on for some time. It hasn't been a surprise to us to see the football he has been playing lately," Hasler said.

"We wish him well for the rest of the season with the Knights and look forward to him joining us next season."

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