Sydney Roosters superstar Joey Manu has spoken for the first time about his likely defection to rugby union at the end of the season, admitting he wants a new challenge.
Manu, who threw a magical flick pass to set up a Junior Pauga try in the same corner Patrick Mahomes threw the pass that won the Kansas City Chiefs the Super Bowl a fortnight ago, has confirmed this masthead’s report from last month that he has told the Roosters he wants to play rugby union next year.
The 27-year-old, who has been stuck behind skipper James Tedesco for the fullback jumper for several years, admitted the appeal of trying something new was proving difficult to ignore.
“I just love the challenge of being uncomfortable,” he said inside the sheds at Allegiant Stadium after the Roosters’ 20-10 win over the Broncos in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT).
“I really feel like that’s where you grow as a person and player, being challenged. Not that I’m not being challenged here. But it’s been a while since I’ve been here. I’ve been rusted into the spot for a while. Just learning a whole new game, maybe. Just something different and also experience as well.”
Manu’s agent is speaking to rugby clubs in France and Japan. It remains unclear where Manu will end up but he admitted that he’s resigned to leaving the Roosters when his contract expires at the end of 2024.
Joey Manu with Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua at Allegiant Stadium.Credit: NRL Imagery
“Most probably,” Manu said when asked if he was leaving the sport at the end of the year. “You never know what happens, so I don’t really want to confirm anything. I’m still deciding a lot of those things. Still in the middle of sorting things out. But Robbo (coach Trent Robinson) has been awesome.
“He’s been open-minded and he just wants the best for myself. I just want the best for myself, my family and the Roosters too. I’m not too sure just yet. Hopefully I can get some things in place but it’s still up in the air. I just want to knock it on the head and then just get into the season.”
Manu, whose earning capacity is capped at around $850,000 as a centre at the Roosters, knows that he could have attracted offers in excess of $1 million at rival NRL clubs.
The Dragons indicated they would spend up to $1.2 million a season to lure Manu to play fullback, but he insists he has no desire to play for any NRL club bar the Roosters and hopes to return to the club in the future.
The Roosters celebrate Joey Manu’s try against the Broncos.Credit: AP
“When I first came over [to the Roosters], I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “I watched a little bit of it but I’ve never really experienced the place. The people make the club. You just build a love and call it your home. When you’re at home, you just really want to protect it and give it all you’ve got. It would be tough to play for a different club.
“I hope I get to finish my career here or get a few more years here. I came here when I was 16. So to give back to the club, the fans, the members and all that, would be special. They kick-started my career and hopefully I get a few more years in.”
Manu was one of the best players on the field on Sunday. He almost didn’t make the game.
The centre didn’t fly to America with his teammates and remained at home for the birth of his first child.
Joey Manu starred for the Roosters against the Broncos in Las Vegas.Credit: AP
Robinson had decided that if the baby wasn’t born by Saturday, he wouldn’t have enough time to acclimatise and therefore would have ruled him out of the game. The baby came just before deadline, with Manu joking about Robinson forcing him on a plane.
“We had a little plan before,” Manu said. “I didn’t know when she would come to be honest. She came Saturday and once she came I wanted to stay home. I tried to stay home. But Robbo told me to get on the plane and come over here. But it ended up being well worth it, it was good.
“It was tough. I honestly thought I wasn’t going to come at one stage. I was like, I’m definitely not coming. I was just chilling at home, just helping out the missus around home. Even when she came, I was like I will stay and look after baby and my wife. And then Robbo forced me to get on that plane. It ended up being good.”
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