Former NRL superstar Joseph Manu could make his All Blacks dream come true sooner than expected, but New Zealand Rugby will face stiff competition for his services.
Manu, a Sydney Roosters legend, switched codes ahead of the 2024/25 season, joining Japanese club Toyota Verblitz on a one-year deal.
The move to Verblitz was set to help make the transition from league to union smoother, with the New Zealand rugby league international setting his sights on making the All Blacks‘ squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The 28-year-old has made a bright start to life in union, scoring 10 times in 14 matches for the Sir Steve Hansen and Ian Foster-coached club despite the side’s struggles in Japan Rugby League One.
A change of heart
Manu is set to depart Japan at the end of the season, joining Top 14 giants Racing 92 on a one-year deal with an option of an additional year.
However, he is throwing a spanner in the works according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, who state that he is considering asking for a release from his French rugby contract on compassionate grounds to return home.
A source told the publication that Manu is reconsidering his future and was weighing up a return to either Sydney or New Zealand due to family reasons.
Racing 92 may well be in favour of releasing the All Blacks hopeful considering the fact that the club parted ways with head coach Stuart Lancaster – who signed Manu – mid-season due to their poor run of form, which has left interim coach Patrice Collazo fighting a relegation battle for the remainder of this season.
If the club does so before June 30, Manu will be a free agent and eligible to be picked up by an NRL outfit while the New Zealand and Australian Super Rugby Pacific franchises will undoubtedly be keen on acquiring his services.
While Manu played his entire league career to date at the Sydney Roosters, a move to the New Zealand Warriors could well come into the equation.
All Blacks or NRL return?
Warriors chief executive Cameron George said he was unaware of the Verblitz star’s situation but would not pass on the opportunity to at least discuss a deal.
“The Warriors have had no discussions in respect to Joey Manu’s future, but of course if Joey Manu was to become available we would definitely sit down with his management,” George said. “To this date, we’ve had none whatsoever.”
However, ex-All Blacks boss Hansen confirmed earlier this year that Manu wanted to follow the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in switching codes and representing New Zealand in the XVs game.
“There’s no secret that’s what he wants to do. Obviously, he will have to come home and play for the Chiefs, I guess, to do that,” Hansen told Sport Nation’s Beaver and Guy.
“In the meantime, our job is to make him as good as we possibly can and hopefully he can reach that dream.
“In not having any say in who picks the team, well, I can’t say he will make it, but I think he’s a pretty handy footballer.”
While NRL clubs will certainly be sniffing around and eyeing up a swoop for Manu, he told the Sydney Morning Herald just last month that he was eager to stick with union going forward.
“I’m sticking in rugby,” Manu said.
“Like I have said, I hope to play for the All Blacks. That’s a dream and the World Cup would be nice. But all I can say is I’ll be in rugby for this year and next year, and I just want to see how each year goes.
“I’m enjoying it. If I wasn’t enjoying it, then obviously I probably would be back in rugby league. But for now I’m enjoying my time in union.”
READ MORE: League to union code switch: The best, worst and still too soon to tell
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/joey-manu-on-the-verge-of-massive-u-turn-after-all-blacks-hopeful-stated-he-was-sticking-with-union
