Sydney Roosters’ telling salary cap move after exit of Joey Manu and Joseph Sua’ali’i

Trent Robinson’s men head into 2025 without both strike centres who lifted them to a finals berth, but the Roosters have a plan.

The Roosters are expected to keep a roster spot open for Joey Manu in case the star centre decides to return to the club after a stint in rugby union.

Manu is in the midst of his first season for Toyota Verblitz in the Japanese Rugby League One Competition, which ends in May.

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That leaves time for Manu to sign with the Roosters for the rest of 2025 if he chooses to given the NRL deadline for teams to finalise their Top 30 list falling on the 30th of June.

According to Code Sports, Roosters coach Trent Robinson appears hopeful that Manu will return to the fold by leaving a roster spot free.

The Roosters are set to leave a spot in their top 30 open in case Joey Manu decides to return to the NRL. Image: NRL photos

It’s unclear whether Manu wants to return to the Roosters in 2025, but is current deal with Toyota Verblitz is only for one season.

However, Manu does have a player option to extend for another season if he wishes. \

Manu will be sorely missed by the Roosters this season, with the club set to unleash a new and inexperienced centre pairing.

Unproven rookie Rob Toia, oft-injured Billy Smith and former Wallaby and NRL one-gamer Mark Nawaqanitawase are the three players in contention for the centre spots left vacant by Manu and another rugby union convert in Joseph Suaalii, who will line up for the NSW Waratahs this season.

Originally published as Sydney Roosters’ telling salary cap move after exit of Joey Manu and Joseph Sua’ali’i