Cross-code superstar Joey Manu is considering asking for a release from his French Rugby contract on compassionate grounds to return home – a move that could open the door for an NRL return.
Manu, who is currently playing Japanese Rugby for Toyota Verblitz, has signed a deal with French Rugby club Racing 92 and is scheduled to join them for pre-season training in July ahead of the season start in August.
Former Roosters star and New Zealand international Joey Manu.Credit: Getty Images
Sources with knowledge of the situation, talking on the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality, said the 28-year-old was now reconsidering his future and was weighing up a return to either Sydney or New Zealand due to family reasons.
Should Manu return home, he would also attract attention from Super Rugby clubs, opening the door for him to fulfil an ambition to play for the New Zealand All Blacks.
If he does request – and secure – a release from his French deal, it would likely mean he would be available for the 2026 season. He has a one-year deal with a one-year option on top of it at Racing 92.
However, in the event that he leaves French rugby before June 30, the door would be open for him to become a free agent and return to the NRL this season.
Manu in action for New Zealand.Credit: Getty Images
Complicating the situation at Racing 92 is the fact that Manu signed the deal when Stuart Lancaster was the coach. Lancaster has since left the club.
Racing 92 are also fighting to avoid relegation and sit in 11th position on the ladder, with the bottom two teams of the 14-team competition to be relegated at season’s end.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George said he was unaware of Manu’s situation on Wednesday evening.
“The Warriors have had no discussions in respect to Joey Manu’s future, but of course if Joey Manu was to become available we would definitely sit down with his management,” George said. “To this date, we’ve had none whatsoever.”
While Manu left the Roosters on good terms, it is unclear if his preference is to return to Sydney or head to his homeland of New Zealand. The Roosters would have financial limitations on what they could offer him if he wanted to return to the Tricolours.
The Warriors, who have unexpected salary cap space due to the sudden retirement of skipper Tohu Harris in the pre-season, would be interested in luring Manu to their club if he were to become available.
Manu has long held a desire to play fullback but was unable to cement that position at the Roosters with captain James Tedesco at the club ahead of him.
The Warriors could have an opening in the No.1 jersey from next season, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad linked to a potential shift to the Super League next year.
Manu would be a major acquisition for a Warriors team currently flying high on the NRL ladder in fourth position on the back of three consecutive wins after the disappointment of their Las Vegas drubbing at the hands of the Raiders in round one.
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