Joey Manu will leave the Sydney Roosters in 2025 after signing a one-year deal with Japanese rugby team Toyota Verblitz.
Manu’s departure has been in play for months with the Roosters and Verblitz, who count former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen on their staff, finally confirming the move on Tuesday.
The New Zealand international will leave the Tricolors at the end of the 2024 NRL season, while Wallabies midfielder Mark Nawaqanitawase will join the team.
“I cherish my time playing rugby league for the Roosters, so it has been a difficult decision to leave the club and the NRL,” Manu said.
“I will always be grateful to wear the Roosters jersey and to everyone who supported me and gave me incredible opportunities.”
All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett and Springboks giant Pieter-Steph du Toit are also in Verblitz’s squad.
Hansen said the club views Manu as a full-back, winger or center, adding that his “great skills and strong work ethic” should allow for a “smooth transition” to the union.
“I think we can make the transition. Plus his skills suit our style of play and the rugby league he currently plays well,” Hansen said.
Manu was named Dally M center of the year for the Roosters in 2022 and won the Golden Boot award for best international rugby league player, while playing fullback for New Zealand.
He also played five-eighth for the Bondi club, where he made his NRL debut in 2016.
At only 27 years old, Manu holds two premierships, in 2018 and 2019, in his 164 games for the club.
“Joey has been open about his desire to experience the challenge of living abroad with his young family and playing in a different environment, so although we are sad to see him go, we fully support him,” the Roosters coach said. Trent Robinson.
“Joey will always be a Rooster. He is very clear about what he wants to achieve this season and we look forward to sharing next year.”
Manu is the second Gallo in just over a year to announce plans to leave the league to take part in the 15-a-side game, with Joseph Aukuso Sua’ali’i set to sign a lucrative deal with Rugby Australia from next season. .
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