‘World class’ code-hopper Joey Manu secures blockbuster NRL return with PNG Chiefs
Joey Manu has been unveiled as the much-hyped PNG Chief 007, with the two-time premiership winner to return to the NRL in 2028.
The Chiefs officially confirmed on Monday the former Sydney Roosters utility had signed a two-year deal with the club, which now boasts a backline that will be the envy of the NRL.
PNG had long-hyped their seventh signing, with speculation Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary was bound for the club as their inaugural halfback.
But with a staircase showing each of their signings and “007” listed as “reserved”, that honour will now go to code-hopper Manu ahead of the 2028 season.
“We’re thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward,” Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas said.
“He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses.
“His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team and we can’t wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey.”
Manu joins a list that already includes Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax, Brian To’o and Englishman Matty Lees.
But the move appears likely to have ended the 30-year-old’s boyhood dream of representing the All Blacks.
Manu left the NRL for an overseas rugby union career after the 2024 season, starting in Japan before a move to French team Racing 92 last year.
But his French rugby deal runs to the end of 2027, and New Zealand Rugby only selects players for the All Blacks if they play domestically.
Manu became one of the NRL’s most prized utility players across 181 games, including the 2018 and 2019 premiership wins, with the Roosters.
He was named Dally M centre of the year in 2022 and won the Golden Boot award as the sport’s best international player later that year.
The athletic New Zealand representative is equally adept in the centres and at fullback, and can also capably slot into the halves in a pinch.
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