Joey Manu, the star player for the Roosters, has stated that any potential move to overseas rugby would be a true code change, rather than a short-term vacation in which he would try to return to the NRL in the middle of the season. However, the hottest free agent in the game would opt to leave a significant six-figure sum instead of playing against the Tricolours.
Speaking for the first time about a possible move to Japanese rugby after his current contract with the Roosters ends in 2024, Manu confirmed that he is still considering his future amid interest from the 15-man rugby code.
The 27-year-old hopes to make a decision before the historic season opener for the Roosters against Brisbane in Las Vegas on March 3.
Manu’s manager and the Roosters discussed the potential short-term change to play in the elite Japanese rugby competition from December to May, with a return at the end of the 2025 season in Bondi. However, the New Zealand star has distanced himself from that option as part of ongoing discussions about a long-term contract extension with the Roosters, the team he joined at the age of 16.
“It’s an option, I think rugby is a challenge,” Manu said. “If I go play rugby, I’m focusing on rugby, not on coming back. You can go there and come back, but the actual focus is not just to go there for a few months and come back. It’s not really like that.”
“I grew up playing rugby, but it’s just a case of analyzing all the options, and that was one of the options considered. I’ve been with the Roosters for 10 years now. It’s been a long time, and I love this place. It makes it really tough to leave, but we’ll see what happens.”
Manu’s status as the NRL’s premier center, as well as an elite fullback and utility back, has prompted Shane Flanagan to publicly praise him as the cornerstone of his Dragons rebuild. St. George Illawarra was willing to offer around $1.2 million per year on a four-year deal to lure Manu away from the red, white, and blue, but their interest never progressed further.
Manu has made it clear that he has no intention of playing against Trent Robinson’s team. In 2021, the winner of the Golden Boot had discussions with the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby before re-signing with the Roosters, and rugby remains the only competition for his services.
“I don’t want to play against them at all. At all. With what the club has done for me throughout my career, I can’t do that,” Manu said.
“I appreciate everything they’ve done for me, and I’ve loved being here for so long. I’d love to stay; that’s the main thing, and we’ll see what happens with other options.
“Robbo is very open, he’s a really good man, and he just wants what’s best for you. I want what’s best for me and my family, as well as for the Roosters.
“Whatever happens, it has to be good for everyone, so we’ve had those open conversations, and now it’s up to my manager. [Rugby] is still just an option at this stage. But I’m at the point where it’s time to explore those options in all codes. I’ve played both codes since I was a kid.”
It also involves being part of what could potentially be the tallest attacking line-up in history, with Dominik Young (200 cm), Daniel Tupou, and Joseph Suaalii (196 cm) overshadowing Manu, who stands at 192 cm.
Robinson regularly gives Manu the freedom to utilize his talent, considering James Tedesco’s established position as fullback, with Manu focusing on his attacking commitments and his defensive decisions as the areas for improvement in 2024.
“In defense, I want to improve,” Manu said. “I feel like there’s a lot of improvement in me on the wing and as a player in that part of the team. There’s another step for me in terms of reaching my best, chasing those moments in games.
“Tedesco is that player for us who can play the game out wide. I want to help him with that, take that pressure off him. I want it to be my responsibility.”
FAQ
1. Is Joey Manu considering a move to overseas rugby?
Yes, Joey Manu is considering a move to overseas rugby after his current contract with the Roosters ends in 2024.
2. Is he interested in 15-man rugby?
Yes, Manu is considering his future in 15-man rugby.
3. When does Manu plan to make a decision?
Manu hopes to make a decision before the Roosters’ season opener against Brisbane on March 3.
4. What are the options for a change of play?
Manu had considered a short-term change to play in the Japanese rugby competition from December to May, with a return at the end of the 2025 season in Bondi.
5. Does Manu intend to play against Trent Robinson’s team?
No, Manu has explicitly stated that he has no intention of playing against Trent Robinson’s team.
6. What is the key factor for Manu in making a decision?
Manu wants the decision regarding his future to be good for him, his family, and the Roosters.
7. What areas of his game does Manu want to improve next year?
Manu wants to focus on his defensive game and improve in that area. He also wants to help James Tedesco in the attacking game.
Important terms and concepts
– NRL: National Rugby League, the premier rugby league in Australia.
– Roosters: The Sydney Roosters, a team in the NRL.
– Golden Boot: An award given to the best player in the NRL.
– Super Rugby: An international rugby league.
Related links
– https://www.roosters.com.au/
– https://www.nrl.com/
The source of the article is from the blog windowsvistamagazine.es