Roosters plot shock Manu ‘guest stint’ before joining Chiefs

The Roosters are poised to begin formal negotiations to bring former favourite son Joey Manu back to the club for a guest stint next season.

Manu was rated among the best centres in the world when he left the NRL at the end of 2024 to pursue big dollars in overseas rugby.

Joey Manu in action for New Zealand. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The strongly built outside back is returning to league with the PNG Chiefs in 2028 but has a window between the end of his contract with French club Racing 92 next June and the start of his commitments with PNG in the November pre-season next year.

Having lost a heap of class and experience in Angus Crichton (rugby union), Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby union), Connor Watson (Dragons), Junior Tupou (Wests Tigers), Daly Cherry-Evans (Hull FC), Spencer Leniu (Eels) and Daniel Tupou (retired), Roosters officials realised they could use Manu’s talents for the run-in to the finals in 2027.

So far they have signed just one recognised player - Manly utility back Reuben Garrick - so have plenty of room in the salary cap to accommodate Manu.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson raised plenty of eyebrows last month when he was asked about Manu at a press conference.

“So he’s not coming back? I know he’s going to PNG. Who knows (what’s going to happen next year)?” Robinson grinned.

“It’s been great for Joey, he’s got some adventures going to Japan and France and now PNG.

“He deserves everything he gets. Joey is one of our favourites and he’ll always be a Rooster, but his adventure has taken him elsewhere and he’s always welcome through these doors, that’s for sure.”

The 30-year-old remains close to many of his former Roosters teammates who would love him back at the club - albeit for just a few months before he takes up a rich two-year deal with PNG.

The Bulldogs have three spots open on their top 30 roster and are likely to hunt for bargains in the mad scramble for players that is likely to hit the NRL come November 1.

There are a host of players coming off contract for 2028 who will be allowed to talk terms and many of those who sign with rival teams are likely to be given permission to leave a year early.

So far the Bulldogs have signed hooker Freddy Lussick (Panthers) and fullback Connor Votano (Knights) to bolster their spine, as well as utility back Jesse McLean (Panthers).

But they have plenty more holes to fill with the likes of Josh Curran (Perth), Bronson Xerri (Storm), Jonathan Su’a (Perth), Lipoi Hopoi (Raiders), Sean O’Sullivan (released) and Kurt Mann (Tigers) all leaving the club.

Freddy Lussick. Getty Images

The Dogs had a disappointing season in 2026 and a couple more new faces could help boost their stocks for the year ahead.

They have been linked with promising Titans halfback Zane Harrison but supremo Phil Gould has declared that will not be happening.

The son of former Sharks coach John Morris has signed with the Rabbitohs.

Morris had a stint as an assistant coach at Souths a few years back and decided to the Bunnies would be a good starting place for son Cruz, a utility back who is equally at home at halfback or fullback.

“He’s a good kid and we are expecting to see some real talent from him,” Souths’ pathways boss David Furner told nine.com.au.

He will start off in the Harold Matts squad and see where he goes from there.”

Dad John recently parted ways with the Tigers and is on the lookout for a job with a rival club for 2027.

The Sharks have signed a couple of promising twin brothers from Queensland for the next two years.

Grayson and Nikorima Wharakura have been standouts in the Cyril Connell Cup with Brisbane Tigers and Coomera Cutters U19s.

Grayson is a wing/ centre with plenty of pace and a knack for scoring tries with his deceptive pace and finishing ability.

Nikorima is a versatile player who can fill in at the halves or hooker and has handy ball skills.

Both attended renowned Queensland sporting nursery Marsden State High School and have signed deals with the Sharks until the end of 2028.

They are expected to start their Sharks journey in the SG Ball Cup (under 19s) but don’t be surprised if both move up to Jersey Flegg (under 21s) before too long.