The NRL\u2019s 20th franchise confirmed Manu has signed a two-year deal from the 2028 season, bolstering what is shaping as a formidable backline.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward,\u201d Chammas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team andwe can\u2019t wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manu follows Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Brian To\u2019o in signing with the club. <\/p>\n
It could prove to be a busy few weeks for the Chiefs, who have also been linked with Canberra second rower Hudson Young.<\/a> 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\u2019o before he signed.<\/p>\n