LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has confirmed that Joseph Manu will not be returning to the club this season after leaving the NRL to try his hand in Japanese rugby.
Despite speculation that Manu would make a mid-season return, Robinson stated that the decision was made long ago for Manu to join French rugby instead.
"We were resigned to that (him not coming back) a long time ago.
That was never the case," Robinson said, revealing that he had known about Manu's next move for 6-9 months.
While Manu won't be making a comeback to the Roosters, Robinson did announce that a young gun would be making his debut off the bench in the upcoming game against Penrith.
On the topic of veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Robinson dismissed any possibility of a shock return, stating that the player was happy in the UK and not planning on coming back to Sydney as a player.
With Manu's future in French rugby confirmed and Waerea-Hargreaves content in the UK, the Roosters will continue on without these key players for the remainder of the season.
Robinson's confirmation of Manu's next move and the debut of a young talent signal a new chapter for the Roosters as they face tough competition in the upcoming game against Penrith.
Overall, the Roosters are moving forward without Manu and Waerea-Hargreaves in their lineup, with Robinson's focus on the young talent coming through the ranks.
Despite the disappointment of some fans hoping for Manu's return, Robinson's decision reflects the team's plans for the current season and beyond.