Two-time premiership-winning Roosters great Joey Manu is considering quitting rugby union and returning to the NRL. But the PNG Chiefs have emerged as a shock frontrunner for the signature of the Kiwi Test star according to his father, who described it as an “attractive” move due to the “tax-free dollars” on offer at the new franchise.
Manu left the Roosters and made the switch to rugby union at the end of the 2024 season, having won back-to-back NRL grand finals with Trent Robinson’s side in 2018 and 2019. He initially signed for Japanese side Toyota Verblitz, before making the switch to French rugby club Racing 92, where he is contracted until the end of the 2027 season.
Joey Manu (L) is weighing up a return to the NRL but Trent Robinson’s (R) Roosters are not reportedly the frontrunners for the club great’s signature. Pic: Getty
With PNG set to enter the NRL in 2028, the timing is perfect for the former Kiwi rugby league Test star to potentially join the Chiefs ahead of their inaugural season. And the 29-year-old’s father Nooroa told News Corp that becoming a foundation player for the Chiefs – who are set to be coached by Willie Peters – is an “option” Manu will be considering during discussions on his future in the coming months.
“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,” Manu’s father told News Corp. “Joey is coming back here around June. He is going to weigh up his options. He has another year in France and he may look at league. He is at a crossroads you could say… He is going to weigh up whether to stay in rugby, have another year there, or come back to the NRL.”
Robinson has always maintained that Manu would be welcome back at the Roosters but has previously distanced himself from reports linking the club great to a return. And the tax-free dollars at PNG’s disposal would make it hard to compete with the sort of financial package the Chiefs would be able to offer the versatile outside back.
“There is no 100 per cent call he would go to PNG, but it is certainly attractive because of the tax-free dollars,” his father added. “They are a new franchise and they will be looking for new recruits.”
Joey Manu won two NRL premierships during a glittering career with the Roosters. Pic: Getty
(Jason McCawley via Getty Images)Roosters reunion still a possibility for Joey Manu
But while the Chiefs might appear to be in the box seat to land Manu’s signature, his father admitted the Roosters are still very close to his heart. He says Manu and his wife loved living in Sydney and would have to weigh up the lifestyle factors around living in PNG with a young family.
The departures of Roosters stars Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase to rugby union at the end of this season will certainly free up salary cap space for the Tr Colours to make a move. And with veteran winger Daniel Tupou approaching the end of his career, Robinson might have some outside back roles to fill.
However, the Roosters have signed Tommy Talau and Cody Ramsey this season and Reuben Garrick is set to arrive from Manly in 2027. And with the likes of skipper James Tedesco, Robert Toia, Hugo Savala and Billy Smith on the books they looked well stocked in that department. And it could leave the cashed-up Chiefs in the box seat to land Manu.