Days after it was reported that the chances of a Joey Manu reunion with the Roosters were slim to none, it has been revealed the dual sport star could indeed return to the NRL.
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Manu is currently under contract with French rugby side Racing 92 but has expressed a desire to sign with a New Zealand domestic team in order to be eligible for All Blacks selection for next year’s Rugby Union World Cup.
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After that though, Manu is weighing up a bombshell move to Papua New Guinea to play for the Chiefs, who are set to join the NRL in 2028.
That’s according to someone very close to Manu, his father Nooroa.
“Yes, PNG is option. We are looking at options at the moment and the next level would be to see how it (living in PNG) would have an impact on him,” Nooroa told Code Sports in an exclusive interview.
“Joey is coming back here (to Australia) around June (when France’s Top 14 comp ends). He is going to weigh up his options.
“He is at a crossroads you could say.”
While the Chiefs appear to be the favourite to sign Manu if he decides to come back to the NRL, the Roosters can’t be ruled out either.
“Obviously he loves the Roosters,” Nooroa said.
“They were good to him and he was good for them. They will be an option, but it will come down to who is still around at the Roosters in their set up.”
Manu and former Roosters teammate Connor Watson have now both been linked to PNG with Code Sports reporting that Bears coach Mal Meninga believes Watson will sign with the Chiefs after the versatile Blues rep knocked back Perth’s interest.
OUT-OF-CONTRACT WARRIOR BEGINS TALKS WITH NRL CLUB
The red-hot Warriors have reportedly opened up contract talks with free agent halfback Tanah Boyd.
Boyd has been excellent for the Warriors this season, leading the club to six wins – the most in the NRL.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a career resurgence at the Warriors.
Highly touted as a youngster, things didn’t work out for Boyd at the Titans in his several seasons there.
Given an opportunity by Andrew Webster, Boyd has repaid the faith, and has overtaken Luke Metcalf as the club’s No. 1 halfback option.
Metcalf has played in only two games this season but once he’s back on deck, he’ll more than likely play alongside Boyd at five-eighth.
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Boyd is off contract at the end of 2026. According to journalist Brent Read, the playmaker wants to stay put.
“I think Tanah Boyd wants to stay at the Warriors. That’s his preference, and that’s who they’re negotiating with at the moment,” Read said.
“He will only move if that deal won’t get done.”
Boyd is tied 3rd in the NRL in try assists (9), one behind leaders Scott Drinkwater, Jahrome Hughes and Nathan Cleary.