Two-time premiership winner Joey Manu has signed with the PNG Chiefs.
The 30-year-old officially signed a two-year deal with the NRL’s newest franchise, becoming the club’s highly anticipated Chief 007.
The label of Chief 007 has been ‘reserved’ on the club’s social media pages for several months, with many hinting it could be held for a marquee halfback like Nathan Cleary or Sam Walker.
But instead, cross-code star Manu has been awarded the label.
Manu left the Sydney Roosters in 2024 to play rugby union in Japan and France.
However, in recent months he has been linked with a return to rugby league. And now he has agreed to line up with the Chiefs in their inaugural year in 2028.
News.com.au understands Manu verbally signalled his intent to join the franchise during a trip to PNG with his family last month, before officially agreeing to terms on a two-year deal on Sunday night.
He will join Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o as players signed to the club.
It is understood that Manu has been signed to play in the centres.
It means the Chiefs have now filled both wing and centre positions, with PNG now eyeing a top class halfback and potentially a fullback when November 1 rolls around.
Speaking about the signing of Manu, PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the star outside back was another significant acquisition for the club.
“Joey is another key signing for us and a further demonstration of the ambition we have for this club in making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea,” McPherson said in a statement on Monday.
“His connection to the Pacific, his character, experience and standing in the game will have a profound impact on our club.
“He understands the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than himself, and we believe he can have a genuine impact on our young players and the next generation of Papua New Guineans – who we are proud to represent as a club.”
In addition to his 69 tries scored in 181 NRL games, Manu has also made 17 Test match appearances for New Zealand and was named the Golden Boot winner in 2022.
PNG is also expected to try and lure Canberra back rower Hudson Young to the Chiefs.
Last week the Raiders tabled a $3.3 million contract for Young, the most lucrative offer in Canberra’s 44-year history.
However, Young turned that offer down and now appears likely to test his value on the open market.
Originally published as Joey Manu signs with PNG Chiefs as club’s 007 locked in