Two-time premiership winner Joey Manu has been announced as the PNG Chief’s mystery 007 signing, with the superstar centre confirming he has joined the club.
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The NRL’s 20th franchise confirmed Manu has signed a two-year deal from the 2028 season, bolstering what is shaping as a formidable backline.
Manu had left the Sydney Roosters in 2024 to play rugby union in Japan and France. Like his opposite centre Zac Lomax, who left league to play rugby union for the Western Force, Manu will return to rugby league in PNG colours.
While Manu, 30, has primarily played centre for most of his career, his occasional placing in the halves will give PNG some vital versatility in their attack – something acknowledged by Chiefs general manager, Michael Chammas.
“We’re thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward,” Chammas said.
“He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses.
“His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team andwe can’t wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey.”
Manu follows Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o in signing with the club.
It could prove to be a busy few weeks for the Chiefs, who have also been linked with Canberra second rower Hudson Young. The 28-year-old is understood to have been granted a window of time from Canberra to negotiate with the Chiefs – a luxury also afforded to To’o before he signed.
The persistent rumours around PNG’s interest in either Nathan Cleary or Sam Walker won’t go away. The club has also been linked to Melbourne five-eighth and Queensland captain Cameron Munster – though with Luai already signed, his prospects aren’t quite as strong.
Joey Manu arrives in Port Moreseby. Picture: PNG Post Courier/Gabriel ErnestSource: Supplied
Born in New Zealand with Maori and Cook Island descent, Manu debuted in the NRL in 2016, before winning premierships with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019.
He then moved to rugby with the ambition of representing the All Blacks at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. But he didn’t enter the selection equation because he didn’t play for a New Zealand Super Rugby team.
The timing of the French rugby season could make Manu a prize recruit for another NRL team at the back end of 2027, before he signs with the Chiefs for 2028-2029.