One down, one to go: Chooks turn attention to Trel after Manu coup
Sydney Roosters will turn their attention to locking in Joseph Manu’s superstar centres partner as the club hunts for a historic third straight NRL premiership.
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Just in the nick of time.
Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has helped secure star centre Joey Manu to a new two-year deal just days before the star centre would have been a free agent for 2021.
Manu was under contract at Bondi until the end of next season but has been nailed down now until after 2022.
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The Roosters still have a number of high profile players coming off after next season including Latrell Mitchell, Jake Friend, Ryan Hall, Brett Morris, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Rival clubs can formally lodge offers for these players come midnight Thursday.
Manu, 23, who made his club debut back in 2016, is now off limits.
With Manu locked away, the Roosters can now focus on fellow centre Mitchell, who was due to meet club officials sometime this week with manager Wayde Rushton.
In a statement released by the Roosters, Manu said: “The Roosters is home to me, I love this club.
“Trent (Robinson), the coaches, the players, they’ve all made me a better person and a better player and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to know that I’ll continue to be part of the team at the Roosters for at least the next three years.”
Manu has developed into an elite player over the past two years.
He has sublime skills and footwork and has played a key role in the Roosters back-to-back titles.
“Joseph is highly regarded by his teammates and all the coaching staff for both the athlete and the person he is,” said Robinson.
“Joey‘s work ethic is outstanding and he holds himself accountable on the field, but just as importantly, he is a good man who embodies the values we want in our players, so it’s great news to have him extend with the club.”
Manu has played 70 NRL games for the Roosters.
He came through the Roosters system and was part of the club’s premiership-winning NYC side which also included Victor Radley, Nat Butcher, Sitili Tupouniua and Poasa Faamausili.
He also played in the club’s 2014 SG Ball-winning team alongside Mitchell and Faamausili.
The Roosters also revealed Manu’s younger brother, 17-year-old Kani, will join the club’s SG Ball squad from next season.
Manu is currently in camp with the New Zealand Test side. He has played six Tests for the Kiwis.
Originally published as One down, one to go: Chooks turn attention to Trel after Manu coup