Manly have released hooker Matt Ballin from the final two years of his contract with the NRL club, opening the way for his move to the Wests Tigers.

The Sea Eagles confirmed the move in a media release on Tuesday, with the Tigers subsequently confirming the former Queensland representative had been signed on a two-year deal.

Manly stalwart Ballin had previously been told he was unwanted by new Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett.

He will compete for the first-grade hooking spot at the Tigers with Robbie Farah.