The Kiwi star has shot down suggestions he’ll be back in the NRL as soon as next year.
Joey Manu has dispelled any notion of returning to the NRL next year, revealing his intention to dedicate more than six months to rugby union. The Roosters center will depart the NRL at the end of the 2024 season to join the Japanese rugby club Toyota Verblitz.
Despite speculation that his move might be short-term and that he could return to the Roosters in 2025, Manu clarified his stance on Wednesday. Theoretically, he could come back to the Roosters next June since the Japanese Rugby One final is in late May in Tokyo.
However, the 27-year-old dismissed this idea, stating his desire to extend his rugby union career beyond six months. “I highly, highly doubt it,” he responded when asked if he might return to the Roosters in 2025.
“Maybe somewhere longer down the road. I probably need a little bit more than six months over there. Going to Japan is a good experience for myself and my family. Just enjoying something different.
“Six months over there is just learning the game. That’s the next step that I want to take. I really want to do my best in rugby union. I feel like I’ll need a bit longer than six months. But we’ll see how it goes.”
With Joseph Suaalii also leaving at the end of the season to join the NSW Waratahs, the Roosters will be down to one premier fullback option. Both Manu and Suaalii regard fullback as their optimal position, but James Tedesco has held the No. 1 jersey for several years.
Joey Manu hoping to play for All Blacks at Rugby World Cup
Luke Keary (retiring) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (heading to England) are also leaving at the end of the season, but Joey Manu mentioned they haven’t focused much on their collective departures or the added motivation to win a premiership in 2024. Part of Manu’s decision to switch to rugby union is driven by the opportunity to play for the All Blacks in the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
By next June, Manu will likely have a clearer idea of his prospects with the All Blacks. To be eligible for selection, he needs to be playing in the Super Rugby competition in Australia and New Zealand. His time in Japanese rugby will serve as a significant opportunity to impress potential Super Rugby teams.
On Wednesday, the 27-year-old admitted it hadn’t fully sunk in that he would be leaving the Roosters within the next four months, having started with the club’s junior sides in 2013. “It’s going to be different. I’ve been here for 10 years … But I’ve just got to enjoy every day left,” he said.
“I don’t really have a plan on whether I’ll be back in the NRL, to be honest. I’m just going to go over there and try my best, give it a crack. Just ride the wave. I’m not too sure where I’ll end up. But obviously, this club means a lot to me. Hopefully, somewhere down the line, I’ll come back here.”
