Joey Manu Unveiled as PNG Chiefs' 007 Signing
Joey Manu, the two-time premiership winner, has been officially confirmed as the PNG Chiefs' seventh signing, unveiled as the much-hyped "007" ahead of the club's debut NRL season in 2028. The Chiefs announced on Monday that the former Sydney Roosters utility had signed a two-year deal, ending weeks of speculation that had linked Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary to the inaugural halfback role.\nA staircase at the club's home base had teased each signing, with "007" listed as "reserved" — an honour now bestowed on Manu, who returns to the NRL after a stint in rugby union.
A Backline Built to Impress
Manu joins a roster that already includes Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax, Brian To'o, and Englishman Matty Lees, giving the Chiefs a backline that several reports describe as "the envy of the NRL." Fox Sports noted that Manu follows Luai, Lomax, To'o, and Watson as a marquee signing, with Lomax also returning from rugby union, having played for the Western Force.
Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas expressed the club's excitement: "We're thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward. 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."
Manu's Journey: From Roosters to Rugby Union and Back
Manu last played in the NRL in 2024, leaving the Sydney Roosters to pursue a rugby union career overseas. He began in Japan before moving to French club Racing 92, a deal that runs through the end of 2027. His return to league in 2028 means he will be 33 by the time his Chiefs contract concludes.
During his NRL career, Manu played 181 games for the Roosters, scoring 69 tries and winning premierships in 2018 and 2019. He was named Dally M centre of the year in 2022 and claimed the Golden Boot award as the sport's best international player that same year. He has also made 17 test match appearances for New Zealand.
His versatility has been a hallmark, with reports noting he is equally adept at centre, fullback, or even in the halves — a quality Chammas highlighted when describing him as a "world-class footballer."
All Blacks Dream Likely Over
The move to the Chiefs appears likely to have ended Manu's boyhood dream of representing the All Blacks. New Zealand Rugby only selects players for the All Blacks if they play domestically, and Manu's French rugby deal runs to the end of 2027, meaning he would not be available for selection during that period. By the time he returns to the NRL, he will be 33, making an All Blacks call-up increasingly unlikely.
Speculation and Future Signings
The Chiefs' signing spree has fueled speculation about further marquee additions. With the NRL market opening on November 1, the club has been linked to players such as AJ Brimson and Hudson Young, while names like Isaah Yeo, Latrell Mitchell, and Bradman Best are reportedly without deals beyond 2027. Nathan Cleary, who was initially tipped as the club's inaugural halfback, could become a free agent, keeping the door open for a future move.
Manu had been widely expected to return to the Sydney Roosters if he ever came back to Australia, but he instead chose the PNG Chiefs, a decision that has been attributed to the club's ability to offer tax-free salaries — a significant draw for players.
Perspectives
PNG Chiefs' Ambition
Chief executive Lorna McPherson framed the signing as a demonstration of the club's ambition and its commitment to making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea. "Joey is another key signing for us and a further demonstration of the ambition we have for this club in making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea," she said. She added that Manu understands the responsibility of representing something bigger than himself and believes he can have a genuine impact on young players and the next generation of Papua New Guineans.
Manu's Career Considerations
From Manu's perspective, the move represents a return to the NRL after a rugby union detour, with the Chiefs offering a competitive deal and the opportunity to be part of a new franchise. His decision to join the Chiefs over a return to the Roosters suggests a desire for a new challenge, with the tax-free salary structure likely a contributing factor. The move also appears to close the door on his All Blacks ambitions, a trade-off he has evidently accepted.