After spending the next three weeks in the reserves, he was called up for his first two games at fullback for the Sea Eagles when Ridge was unavailable due to representing New Zealand in a test series against France.
Nevin would again play nine games for Manly in the 1996 ARL season as the Sea Eagles made amends for the previous years disappointment by defeating St George 20–8 in the Grand Final at the SFS.
Nevin returned to first grade in Round 11 against Balmain when Danny Moore was unavailable after being selected to play State of Origin for Queensland and Fulton moved Hancock to his preferred wing spot.
After Hancock broke his ankle in Round 17, Nevin was finally given the fullback spot and also took over the goal kicking duties from Field.
In three seasons with Manly, Nevin played 29 games (including one Grand Final), scored 6 tries and kicked 52/83 goals (62.65%) for a total of 128 points.