19 hours ago
7
Former Roosters star and rugby union convert Joey Manu has emerged as the PNG Chiefs’ latest marquee signing target as he tours the incoming franchise’s Port Moresby facilities.
Manu was spotted at Sydney International Airport on Monday morning alongside PNG football manager Michael Chammas and head of recruitment Liam Ayoub as they travelled to the PNG capital as the club continues to build its inaugural 2028 roster.
Manu’s PNG sojourn is the first step in the Chiefs’ recruitment process, with the 29-year-old still signed for another year at French rugby union outfit Racing 92. Contract discussions have not yet been broached with the Kiwi international.
Manu left rugby league and the Roosters at the height of his powers at the end of 2024 and has been regularly linked with a return to the 13-man code since.
He initially signed with Japanese rugby’s Toyota Verblitz before shifting to France, where he will play until June next season.
PNG’s courting of Manu comes alongside continued negotiations with former NSW Origin winger and Wallabies hopeful Zac Lomax, who has been offered a multi-year deal by the Chiefs.
Lomax is committed to seeing out the two years of his Western Force contract, having knocked back interest from Melbourne for him to return to the NRL next year, but would also come off-contract in time to feature in the Chiefs first campaign.
Both he and Manu present as elite backline options for the Chiefs and offer versatility as well given Manu regularly filled in at fullback for the Roosters and New Zealand during his 181-game NRL career.
A full-time shift to the No.1 jumper was regularly discussed as a potential lure whenever Manu came off contract with the Roosters, but his ties to the Tricolours meant he never truly explored linking with an NRL rival.
The Roosters were long considered Manu’s most likely destination were he to return to the NRL. However, this masthead reported in April that the club privately gave up that hope due to Manu’s earning power, with his Racing 92 salary estimated at around €1.3 million ($2 million).
The Chiefs’ ability to offer tax-free wages, plus tax exemptions on any third-party agreement earnings spent in the Pacific nation, give the new franchise an ability to match overseas rugby markets that NRL rivals cannot.
PNG’s pursuit of Manu and Lomax comes after their recruitment of Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson and English prop Matty Lees as foundation players for 2028. The Chiefs will be able to table official offers to NRL players coming off contract from November.
There is no restriction on the new NRL franchise approaching potential recruits in rugby.
More to come.
