The premier player of the Sydney Roosters is said to be departing from the prestigious team this year, marking an unexpected transition to a different sport and delivering a significant setback to the NRL.
Reports suggest that Sydney Roosters’ standout player, Joey Manu, is poised to depart from the club at the conclusion of the current NRL season, transitioning to rugby union.
According to sources from News Corp and the Sydney Morning Herald, there is a growing likelihood that Manu will make the switch from rugby league to rugby union once his contract with the Roosters expires at the end of the season.
Although no agreement has been finalized yet, the 27-year-old is reportedly considering offers from teams in Japan and France, seriously contemplating the move.
Manu, a versatile back capable of playing in various positions such as winger, five-eighth, centre, or fullback, notably contributed to the Roosters’ recent premiership victories in 2018 and 2019.
His outstanding performances earned him the prestigious Golden Boot award for the best rugby league international player of the year in 2022.
Allegedly, the Roosters are capable of providing Manu approximately $800,000 annually, whereas French clubs may extend offers of up to $1.1 million per year in Europe.
Current Roosters captain and fullback, James Tedesco, is under contract until the culmination of the 2025 season.
In other developments, the Roosters have renewed the contract of three-time premiership-winning player Luke Keary for an additional year, ensuring his presence with the team until the conclusion of 2025.
Manu’s exit would deal a significant blow to the Roosters, especially following the departure of young talent Joseph Suaalii, who is set to join the NSW Waratahs starting October 2024.
Suaalii’s move effectively involves a swap with Waratahs and Wallabies player Mark Nawaqanitawase, 23, who is poised to join the Roosters on a two-year contract from 2025.
Should Manu indeed depart, he would join the ranks of other NRL stars like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Semi Radradra, who transitioned from rugby league to union.
Switching codes would also open the opportunity for the New Zealand player to represent the All Blacks. Manu has expressed that transitioning to union wouldn’t be a short-term decision.
“It’s a possibility; I view rugby as a challenge,” Manu stated to the SMH. “If I choose to play rugby, my focus would be on rugby, not on a return to league.”
“You could potentially make the move and return, but the intention isn’t just to go there for a short stint and then return. It’s not about that. I have a background in rugby, but it’s about exploring all possibilities, and that’s one that has been considered.
“I’ve been with the Roosters for a decade now. It’s been a significant period, and I have a lot of affection for the club. That makes the decision to leave quite challenging, but we’ll see how things unfold.”
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