Joey Manu has indicated to the Sydney Roosters that he will likely leave the club at the end of the season, as he weighs up multiple lucrative offers from French and Japanese rugby clubs.
Although Manu hasn’t signed a deal with a rugby union club yet, the Roosters are privately resigned to losing his services at the end of the 2024 season barring a dramatic change of heart.
Manu and his management have held a series of discussions with the Roosters about his future as he considers offers of up to €700,000 ($1.157 million) per season in France.
He also has offers on the table in Japan but this masthead has been told he is leaning towards playing in Europe.
The Roosters can only afford to pay Manu around $800,000 per season. They also have skipper James Tedesco contracted until the end of 2025.
Manu has told the Roosters he does not want to play for another NRL club but is keen to try something different. He has also told the Tricolours if he returns to the NRL, he will only play for them.
On the move? Joey Manu.Credit: Getty
Manu spoke to this masthead on Monday about his genuine interest in a code switch, distancing himself from a proposed short-term stint in overseas rugby in which a mid-season return to the Roosters could be negotiated.
“It’s an option, I think rugby is a challenge,” Manu said. “If I go to play rugby, I’m focused on rugby, not on coming back.
“You could probably go there and come back, but the focus isn’t really going there to just play for a few months and come back. It’s not really that. I grew up playing rugby but it’s really just a case of looking at all options and that was one that was tossed up.
“I’ve been at the Roosters for 10 years now. It’s been a long time and I love the place. That makes it very hard to leave but we’ll see what happens.”
The Roosters can only afford to pay Manu around $800,000 per season. They also have skipper James Tedesco contracted until the end of 2025.
Manu’s manager Peter Brown, did not respond to calls. The Roosters declined to comment.
It comes as the Roosters prepare extend five-eighth Luke Keary’s career by another season, agreeing to a deal to keep him at the club until at least the end of 2025.
Speculation over the past 12 months has been rife that Keary was contemplating hanging up the boots at the end of 2024 as a result of a series of head knocks in recent seasons.
However, the premiership-winning playmaker has no desire to call it quits, reaching an agreement with the club to take it year by year and wants to play on in 2025.
It’s a significant boost for the Sydney Roosters ahead of the new season, which begins in Las Vegas against the Brisbane Broncos on March 3.
The 32-year-old will continue to help the development of young halfback Sam Walker, who was in the spotlight last year following coach Trent Robinson’s decision to relegate him to NSW Cup during the season.
Keary is considered one of the smartest minds in the game and the Roosters didn’t hesitate to extend his deal.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
