‘Eastern Suburbs through and through’: Billy Smith signs new Roosters deal as Manu contemplates his future

There’s been a twist in the Joseph Manu story with the Roosters moving swiftly to re-sign one of their star outside backs.

Joseph Manu could depart the Roosters at the end of the 2024 season, as he weighs up a shock code switch to French rugby. Picture: Getty Images

The Roosters have re-signed Billy Smith on a three-year extension just hours after it emerged that former Golden Boot winner Joseph Manu was on the verge of quitting rugby league to link with French rugby at the end of the season.

Thursday’s bombshell revelation is yet to be officially confirmed, but it will be a major blow even if it’s a short-term stint overseas given Manu is one of the best players in the world in several positions.

It’s not like the Tricolours lack strike power out wide with Daniel Tupou and new recruit Dom Young on the wings, with Smith’s decision to extend his stay a terrific reward for his breakout 2023 season.

The young centre signed a 12-month extension back in November but is now locked in until the end of the 2027 season.

“I’ve often spoken about how grateful I am any chance I get to represent the Sydney Roosters and to know that I’m going to be here for at least another three years is something I’m stoked about,” he said.

“The club has always had a lot of belief in me, and I know that my best footy is still ahead of me. I can’t wait for what’s to come and I’m looking forward to continuing to play my role for the team.”

The Roosters have re-signed Billy Smith just hours after it emerged strike centre Joseph Manu was set to leave the NRL at the end of the year. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

It’s great news for Smith who made his NRL debut in 2019 but played just 12 games across the next four years as a string of devastating knee injuries kept him sidelined.

The strike centre showed why the club had so much faith in him with four tries from 15 appearances last season, including playing much of their finals game against Cronulla with a broken jaw.

With the local junior’s future now secure, it’s expected the Roosters will soon announce Luke Keary’s new deal with the veteran playmaker reportedly on the verge of putting pen to paper.

“This extension is testament to the hard work Billy puts in every day,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said. “He is Eastern Suburbs through and through, and no one can ever question his dedication to the team, or his resilience, so it’s great to have Billy locked in for another three years.”

Roosters exit looms as Manu code switch plans escalate

-Dean Ritchie

Joey Manu could be splitting with the Sydney Roosters.

Among the world’s finest centres, Manu has told friends he will consider a shock switch to European rugby union after his contract at Bondi ends after this season.

Manu has been approached by French rugby union clubs and could earn as much as $1.1m a season in Europe.

It appears New Zealand-born Manu has shelved an initial short-term stint in Japan.

The move would also allow Manu to be eligible to represent the All Blacks.

Manu, 27, has told Roosters officials that he couldn’t and won’t play for another NRL club, given his admiration for the Roosters.

Joseph Manu could depart the Roosters at the end of the 2024 season, as he weighs up a shock code switch to French rugby. Picture: Getty Images

The Roosters were training on Thursday night with officials unavailable for comment.

Manu hasn’t yet formally decided on the future and teammates remain hopeful he still may remain with the Sydney Roosters.

There are suggestions however that Manu has quietly told Roosters management he is considering leaving the club and game.

It is understood several French rugby union clubs have shown considerable interest in Manu.

The move would also allow Manu to be eligible to represent the All Blacks. Picture: Getty Images

Manu has achieved virtually everything in rugby league and has told friends he is keen for a new challenge.

Although they won’t concede defeat publicly, Roosters officials fear Manu will move overseas for 2025.

He could become the second Roosters outside back to leave after this season with young star Joseph Suaalii returning to rugby union.

Manu’s management has held discussions with the Roosters in recent weeks to discuss the situation.

While the Roosters want Manu to stay, the club is unlikely to equal the $1.1m on offer from France.

Originally published as ‘Eastern Suburbs through and through’: Billy Smith signs new Roosters deal as Manu contemplates his future