Joey Manu could be back in Sydney Roosters colours in 2027, with the club preparing to open formal talks on a guest stint before he joins the PNG Chiefs, according to Nine.
Nine’s The Mole reported on Wednesday that the Roosters are poised to start negotiations with their former star centre, who left the NRL at the end of 2024 to play rugby union.
Manu has signed a two-year deal with the PNG Chiefs for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, the Chiefs confirmed in August. He is currently playing for French club Racing 92.
A window in 2027
His contract with Racing 92 ends next June, while the Chiefs’ first pre-season starts in November 2027. That leaves a gap in which Manu could play in the back half of the 2027 NRL season, including the run to the finals.
According to Nine, Roosters officials see him as a way to replace some of the experience the club has lost, with Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby union), Connor Watson (Dragons), Junior Tupou (Wests Tigers), Daly Cherry-Evans (Hull FC), Spencer Leniu (Eels) and Daniel Tupou (retired) all gone. The report said Manly utility back Reuben Garrick is their only recognised signing so far, leaving room in the salary cap.
Read more: Manu looking for NRL team for 2027 before he joins PNG in inaugural season
“He’ll always be a Rooster”
Coach Trent Robinson did not rule out a return when asked about Manu in August, ESPN reported.
“He’s not coming back? I know he’s going to PNG. Who knows (about next year),” Robinson joked. “He’ll always be a Rooster, but his adventure has taken him elsewhere and he’s always welcome through these doors.”
Robinson added: “I haven’t spoken to Joey about that (a short-term deal).”
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Rival clubs also in the picture
Manu, a two-time premiership winner with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019, had already been offered to several NRL clubs as a potential short-term signing for the back half of 2027, The Sydney Morning Herald reported in August.
He was the Chiefs’ seventh signing for their first season, joining Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o.
The Chiefs are also building their coaching staff under Willie Peters, with former NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson reported to have signed a three-year deal as an assistant, Yahoo Sport Australia reported, citing 7NEWS.
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