LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a bold move, the St George Illawarra Dragons are reportedly preparing to make a massive $5 million offer to lure Sydney Roosters and New Zealand superstar centre Joey Manu to their club.
The Dragons, under the guidance of new coach Shane Flanagan, see Manu as a valuable asset and are interested in converting him into a fullback.
Flanagan expressed his admiration for Manu, stating, "I think he would be enormous for the club." This statement highlights the coach's belief in Manu's abilities and the positive impact he could have on the team.
The Dragons seem determined to secure Manu's services and are willing to spend big to make it happen.
Manu is just one of nearly 200 players who will become free agents in 2024, allowing them to negotiate with other clubs for the 2025 season and beyond.
However, Manu stands out as one of the biggest stars in this group, making him an attractive target for many teams.
The Dragons' pursuit of Manu is a clear indication that they are not afraid to make bold moves in the player transfer market.
Despite Flanagan's assurance that the team will not engage in "panic buying," their pursuit of Manu demonstrates their willingness to spend money to strengthen the squad.
This potential transfer saga adds excitement to the NRL off-season, as fans eagerly await the outcome of negotiations between the Dragons and Manu.
The move could have significant implications for both clubs involved and could potentially shake up the league's dynamics.
As the November 1 deadline looms, fans and pundits will closely follow the developments surrounding Manu's future.
With several other high-profile players also available on the market, the competition for Manu's signature promises to be fierce.
Only time will tell if the Dragons' mega deal will be enough to convince Manu to make the switch and become a key figure in their team.