Code-hopping superstar spotted meeting with PNG Chiefs boss
Joey Manu could be set to make a return to the NRL after he was spotted travelling to Papua New Guinea with Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas on Monday.
9News obtained exclusive footage of the ex-Roosters star and Chammas at Sydney’s International Airport waiting to board a flight to Port Moresby.
Joey Manu is spotted with PNG Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas at Sydney International Airport. 9News
Nine’s Danny Weidler reports Manu is travelling with the view of forming a deal to join the Chiefs when they enter the competition in 2028. He will take a tour of the team’s facilities over the coming days.
Manu has not played in the NRL since departing the Roosters to play rugby in France, where he is currently contracted to remain until the end of 2027.
He initially went to Japanese rugby’s Toyota Verblitz after he left the NRL. He then made the move to French rugby to represent Racing 92.
The 29-year-old was in his prime when he departed the Roosters in 2024, but even while playing in a rival code, he has frequently been linked to a return to the NRL.
In March last year, it was reported that Manu was considering placing a request to depart his deal with Racing 92 on compassionate grounds to return home to Australia or New Zealand, which would open the door to restarting his NRL career.
He was heavily linked with a return to the Roosters if he did lodge that request, but Trent Robinson made clear he would not be re-signing his former star.
The Warriors were another potential home for Manu at the time and the club did admit they would be open to holding discussions with him.
In the end Manu opted to stay committed to his rugby deal, rather than attempting to add to his two NRL premierships and 181 games.
Zac Lomax has also been rumoured to make the move to join the club after a short stint in Super Rugby with the Western Force.
The former NSW star reportedly started negotiations with PNG last week.
Manu’s signature would bolster the Chiefs’ roster, with Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson some of the stars to have already put pen to paper.
