Joey Manu brings more disappointing news to the Sydney Roosters as the NRL star confirms his plans for 2025.
Joey Manu has clarified that he won’t be returning to the NRL next year, emphasizing his commitment to rugby union for more than just six months. The Roosters’ centre is set to leave the NRL at the end of the 2024 season to join the Japanese rugby club Toyota Verblitz.
Speculation had arisen that Manu’s stint in rugby union might be brief, potentially allowing him to rejoin the Roosters in 2025. Technically, he could return by June 2025 since the Japanese Rugby One season concludes with a final in late May in Tokyo.
However, the 27-year-old dismissed this possibility on Wednesday, stating his intention to pursue a longer rugby union career. When asked if he might return to the Roosters in 2025, Manu replied, “I highly, highly doubt it.”
“Maybe sometime further in the future,” he added. “But for now, I think I need more than six months over there. Moving to Japan is a great opportunity for both me and my family to experience something different. It’s about enjoying a new challenge.”
“Six months isn’t enough to fully grasp the game,” Manu continued. “I want to take this next step seriously and excel in rugby union. I believe I’ll need more than just six months to achieve that. We’ll see how things unfold.”
With Joseph Suaalii also departing at the end of the season to join the NSW Waratahs, the Roosters’ depth at fullback is significantly reduced. Both Manu and Suaalii consider fullback their ideal position, but James Tedesco has been the primary No. 1 for the Roosters in recent years.
Joey Manu is eyeing a spot with the All Blacks for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Although Luke Keary is retiring and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is heading to England at the end of the season, Manu mentioned that they haven’t focused much on their collective departures or the goal of winning a premiership in 2024.
A significant part of Manu’s decision to switch to rugby union is the opportunity to compete for the All Blacks. By next June, he should have a clearer understanding of his prospects. To be considered for the New Zealand team, Manu must play in the Super Rugby competition in Australia and New Zealand. His time with the Japanese rugby club offers him a valuable opportunity to attract the attention of Super Rugby selectors.
