Manu Ma’u refuses to play for any other NRL club than Parramatta

Manu Ma’u had three rival NRL clubs chasing him but is off to the Super League. Fatima Kdouh looks at how Parramatta’s roster is shaping up for 2020.

It’s been a long journey for the Eels enforcer. Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

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England-bound Manu Ma’u has repaid Parramatta, the club he says helped save his life, by refusing to wear the colours of any other NRL side.

Ma’u, who was one of 15 regular first graders off-contract at the end of this season, attracted interest from at least three other clubs — including South Sydney.

“There was interest but I don’t want to play for anyone else,” Ma’u said.

“This club changed me. It’s getting quite emotional at the back end of the season now knowing we only have a few more games together, knowing it will be the last time I play for the club that has helped save my life.”

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Ma'u says he owes Parramatta a huge debt. Photo: Phil Hillyard

Twelve years ago, when he was 18-years old, Ma’u was sentenced to 22 months in jail for his part in a brawl in his hometown of Auckland.

The gang Ma’u was caught up with gatecrashed a birthday party, seeking revenge for the stabbing of one of its members.

Ma’u was released from prison in 2009 and worked as a labourer and painter to make ends meet. He also started playing park football for Richmond Bulldogs and Marist Saints in 2010.

The forward joined New Zealand Warriors feeder side, the Auckland Vulcans, in the NSW Cup in 2012.

But Ma’u’s criminal history meant he wasn’t able to play away games in Australia with immigration authorities denying him entry into the country.

It’s been a long journey for the Eels enforcer. Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

Then in 2013, Eels coach Brad Arthur delivered a lifeline that would be the catalyst in helping change Ma’u’s journey forever.

Arthur wanted to bring Ma’u to Parramatta and was willing to take on the immigration department to make it happen.

After a year of trying, Ma’u was finally granted the visa required to play rugby league on Australian soil.

Ma’u told The Daily Telegraph he was destined for a life of crime if it wasn’t for Arthur’s determination to make the deal happen.

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“I’ve been at the club for six years, B.A. (Arthur) and Steve Murphy our assistant coach have been there for me since the moment I arrived at the club,” he said.

“B.A. was the one who have my debut and I’m forever in debt to him for doing that because I don’t know where I’d be without him.

“If he didn’t give me my debut, I’d still be in New Zealand up to no good.”

Ma’u, 30, said the Eels tabled an offer to extend his time beyond this season but a lucrative two-year deal from English Super League club, Hull FC, was too good to refuse.

Ma'u will be missed by the Eels. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“There was an offer there but just looking at the opportunity I got from England, it was offering more security,” he said.

“Brad was keen to have me, but I just told him this was a security deal for me and my family and he understood.

“He just said to me ‘you have to do what’s right for you and your family’ and that made me lean more to my England deal.”

Next on Parra’s to-do list. Photo: Phil Hillyard

Parramatta’s next big retention target is boom playmaker Dylan Brown.

Brown, 19, isn’t off contract until the end of season 2020 but both parties are eager to finalise a deal that will keep him at the Western Sydney club.

“I’m confident of staying at Parramatta, Brad has said he looks at me as being this club’s long-term half and hopefully I can stay. I enjoy myself here and I have good relationships with the team and with all the coaching staff,” Brown said.

CONTRACT UPDATES: PARRAMATTA EELS

CLINT GUTHERSON

Signed three-year extension until the end of 2022 season.

BEVAN FRENCH

Released from final year of contract to join English Super League side Wigan on three-year deal.

MICHAEL JENNIGNS

Eels have tabled one-year extension.

JOSH HOFFMAN

Has been offered an extension but keen to return to Queensland.

DYLAN BROWN

Top retention target. Still has a year on deal but Eels want to secure his services beyond 2020

Dylan Brown is a top retention target for Parramatta. Picture: Phil Hillyard

MITCHELL MOSES

Signed three-year extension worth about $2.5m with player option in final season

DANIEL ALVARO

Activated player option keeping him at Eels until end of 2021 season

KAYSA PRITCHARD

Injury-forced retirement

TIM MANNAH

No playing offer from Eels but club has proposed post-career deal

MANU MA’U

Joining Hull FC on two-year deal

BRAD TAKAIRANGI

Eels have tabled offer but it’s not a long-term deal

Brad Takairangi has a new offer from the Eels. Picture: Getty Images

TEPAI MOEROA

Code switch. Joining Super Rugby side Warratahs on two-year deal

MATT MCILWRICK

No offer beyond 2019.

GREG LELEISIUAO

Highly regarded but set to part ways with club as no offer beyond this year.

Greg Leleisiuao is set to part ways with Parramatta.

RAY STONE

Yet to be offered extension.

DAVID GOWER

Negotiating one-year extension but has interest from UK Super League.

Originally published as Manu Ma’u refuses to play for any other NRL club than Parramatta