New Zealand centre Joey Manu’s jersey ripped off his back

New Zealand centre Joey Manu has proven that he is unflappable after he barely reacted after his jersey was ripped off his back.

Be honest, if you've got a body like that, would you ever wear a shirt? Photo: Getty Images and Fox Sports

New Zealand and Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu has left commentators and fans in hysterics after he took a hit up despite having had his jersey torn off his back.

After the match kicked off with emotional scenes and an epic Siva Tau and Haka by the sides, it was one way traffic on field as New Zealand claimed their biggest win over Samoa, dominating the 2022 World Cup finalists 50-0 at Eden Park.

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But in the 22nd minute, an eye catching moment appeared to earn Manu plenty of new fans.

The Kiwis had gone nearly the length of the field after a counter attack off a Stephen Crichton grubber saw New Zealand start in their own half.

The second play of the set saw the ball come to Manu, who ran across field before engaging with the line.

But Samoa and North Queensland forward Heilum Luki pulled down on the back of Manu’s jersey, tearing it off his back.

While Manu left the tattered remains on for the next play, he then shimmied it off and took the next hit up.

On Fox League, Michael Ennis was laughing as Warren Smith yelled: “There he is, the bareback, Manu takes it inside the 10.”

“Paint the number on his back, he doesn’t need a jersey,” Smith added.

The jerseys are already skin tight but this is ridiculous. Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

On Channel 9, Mat Thompson said: “Joey, you can’t play without a shirt on — he is. Are you allowed to do that?”

“Of course you are,” Billy Slater laughed. “Good for ratings.”

“Get a texta and write his number on his back,” Thompson added. “I’ve never seen that.”

After earning a repeat set from his run, the Kiwis then went in to score to make it 12-0 on the back of Jahrome Hughes.

And still, Manu was wandering around shirtless.

“Joseph Manu still can’t find a jersey,” Ennis laughed.

However, the fun was soon over as blue shirt trainer Nathan Cayless brought on a fresh jersey for Manu as Jamayne Issako kicked the conversion.

While it was only 90 seconds or so of action, fans liked what they saw with some roasting the hilarious scene, while others were asking for more.

That is 1 of the most chaotic sets of 6 I've ever seen. Joey Manu literally having his jersey torn off his body and running around without a shirt was insane lmao. #PacificChampionships

— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) October 21, 2023

Joey Manu out here playing Shirts & Skins 😂#NRL#PacificChampionshippic.twitter.com/t4Buu9womP

— Roast (@thenrlroast) October 21, 2023

90 seconds of shirtless Joey Manu has really bought out the thirst of the women of #NRLtwitter and frankly I'm here for it.

— Mat and Kita Clarke (@KitaandMat) October 21, 2023

Can they rip Joey Manu’s shirt every game 😍

— Stela (@shiningserpent_) October 21, 2023

Someone get Manu a new Jersey… or don’t #JoeyManu#PacificChampionships

— The Cast Patrol (@thecastpatrol) October 21, 2023

Jahrome Hughes without a headgear looks more naked that Joey Manu without a shirt

— Matt Buxton (@mattbuxton22) October 21, 2023

Joey Manu always performs in a kiwis jersey. He also performs without one tbf.

— Me af (@delightfulyarn) October 21, 2023

Hey @NRL instead of wasting money with Vegas Round, how about we start the season with the Joey Manu Round - no jerseys allowed.

This is free advice, the next one will cost you

— Luke (@Wilo6958) October 21, 2023

With a body like that, who needs a shirt? Photo: Fox Sports

Unfortunately for the Samoans, although they started better than they did against Australia last week, the loss of Jarome Luai was obvious as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

With Eels back up half Daejarn Asi and Panthers back Stephen Crichton in the halves, the World Cup finalists were missing the three-time premiership five-eighth in Luai.

However, after a brutal and physical opening to the game, the Kiwis class came through, running up an 18-0 lead at the halftime break.

Samoa needed to come back to win to stay alive in the Pacific Championships but New Zealand piled on six unanswered tries to run up the half-century.

It was just the fifth time the sides had played each other, the last coming in 2017, but was the biggest victory margin, beating the 50-6 scoreline in the first meeting between the nations in the 2010 Pacific Test.

Originally published as New Zealand centre Joey Manu’s jersey ripped off his back