Joey Manu has been officially introduced as the highly anticipated signing for PNG Chief 007, set to return to the NRL in 2028.
On Monday, the Chiefs confirmed that the former Sydney Roosters utility signed a two-year contract, significantly enhancing their already impressive backline.
There was much speculation about Penrith star Nathan Cleary potentially joining as the inaugural halfback, but "007" will now be worn by the versatile Manu before the upcoming 2028 season.
Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas expressed excitement, stating, "We're thrilled to add Joey to the squad moving forward. He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses. His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to the team and we can't wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey."
Joining Manu are talents like Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax, Brian To'o, and English player Matty Lees.
This signing likely ends the 30-year-old's childhood ambition of playing for the All Blacks.
After the 2024 season, Manu left the NRL to pursue a career in overseas rugby, starting in Japan before moving to Racing 92 last year.
However, his contract in France lasts until the end of 2027, and New Zealand Rugby selects All Blacks exclusively from domestic players. By the conclusion of his Chiefs contract, Manu will be 33.
Over his 181 games in the NRL, Manu became one of the league's top utility players, contributing to the Roosters' premiership victories in 2018 and 2019.
He was named Dally M Centre of the Year in 2022 and won the Golden Boot for the best international player that same year.
Proficient at both centre and fullback, he can also fill in at halfback when necessary.
Following the Roosters' finals campaign in 2024, Manu did not confirm his return to the league, with expectations leaning toward a comeback with the Roosters, who had scouted him as a teenager.
Instead, he now joins the NRL's newest team, which offers lucrative tax-free salaries.
PNG can officially start recruitment on November 1, with Cleary among players potentially available as free agents at that time.
The club has also shown interest in Gold Coast utility AJ Brimson and Canberra's Hudson Young, both State of Origin players, alongside other notable names like Isaah Yeo, Latrell Mitchell, and Bradman Best who are without contracts beyond 2027.