Roosters star Joey Manu’s future in the NRL is in doubt with a bombshell third option emerging as he contemplates his next move.
Manu is off-contract at the end of next season and Dragons coach Shane Flanagan’s public charm offensive has backed up reports the club is willing to break the bank to land the Golden Boot winner’s signature.
The situation has now taken a huge twist with The Daily Telegraph reporting Manu is now open to making a bombshell code switch to Japanese rugby.
According to the report, Manu would be able to command offers of up to $1.5 million per season in the 15-man code.
In a “Sonny Bill Williams-like move” the door would be open for Manu to play with a Japanese club for one season through to the end of May before returning to the Roosters for the second half of the NRL season in 2025. That scenario would likely see Manu earn more than $2 million that year.
The Roosters have been in negotiations with Manu’s management about a long-term deal for several months and the club has shown no sign of fear that Manu could leave.
The NRL would also have the option of declining to register Manu’s mid-season return if the league finds the contract had breached salary cap conditions.
The Japanese rugby option would be a big blow to the Dragons with the club’s pitch to Manu being that the offer would make Manu one of the highest paid players in the NRL — something the Roosters are unable to match.
It has previously been reported the Dragons were prepared to offer up to $5 million and a four-year contract to tempt him to make the jump to the rival club.
Flanagan admitted last month, however, it is likely Manu will remain with the Roosters.
“I love Joey Manu, he’s been one of my favourite players for many, many years,” Flanagan said.
“I’m really, really doubtful he’ll leave the Roosters, but I just wanted his management to know that if he wanted, he could be captain, fullback, do whatever he wants.
“I’d definitely want to have a chat with him, but it’s highly unlikely it’ll ever get to that stage.
“I’m not saying I’ll take the captaincy off Ben (Hunt), but I want to get a quality player like Joey, I need to entice him to come down to the club.
“He’s a quality player, but let’s be really honest, I don’t think he’ll move.”
The Dragons have finished inside the top eight just twice in the past 11 seasons, and have ended the year no better than 10th since 2019.
Flanagan, who coached the Sharks to a premiership in 2016, has made no secret that he is chasing superstar players to improve the Dragons’ roster and Manu fits the bill.
The Dragons have already missed out on the signatures of Warriors forward Addin Fonua-Blake and Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden.
The club has reportedly shifted its focus to prioritise two new recruitment targets — Cowboys pair Heilum Luki and young gun Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
