Trent Robinson has not dismissed the possibility of Joey Manu appearing in Sydney Roosters colors before the Kiwi Test star joins the PNG Chiefs.
Manu, a two-time champion with Easts, was recently announced as the Chiefs' seventh significant signing for their debut season in 2028.
The 30-year-old will fulfill his contract with French rugby union team Racing before heading to the Chiefs.
However, there is a notable interval between the conclusion of France's Top 14 season, which generally ends in late June, and the kick-off of the Chiefs' first pre-season in November 2027.
This gap might allow Manu to reacquaint himself with the game and present an NRL team the chance to recruit a former Golden Boot winner prior to next year's finals series.
"He's not coming back? I know he's going to PNG. Who knows (about next year)," Robinson quipped.
"It's been great for Joey; he has gotten some adventure going to Japan, France, and now PNG.
"He deserves everything he gets; Joey is one of the favorites.
"He'll always be a Rooster, but his adventure has taken him elsewhere and he's always welcome through these doors.
"I haven't spoken to Joey about that (a short-term deal).
"He enjoys his European holidays now that he's acquired some culture, so we don't know what he plans to do post-Top 14 season. We'll see."
Even without Manu, the Roosters aim to be strong contenders in 2027, although their chances of winning this year's title suffered a significant setback with a shocking 25-24 defeat to Wests Tigers last week.
The Roosters have slipped to third place and, as it stands, would play away in the first week of the finals.
This Saturday, they meet the fourth-placed Dolphins at Allianz Stadium, where Robinson is hopeful James Tedesco will return after a month sidelined with a "membrane injury" in his foot.
"We didn't mince the words, but they were really honest and direct, which makes it much clearer, and then you get to solutions pretty quickly," Robinson reflected on the Tigers loss.
"It's not what we wanted, that was pretty clear, but it also highlights some areas we might have overlooked and need to improve.
"So whatever it is, you've got to see it as a gift, then pick it up and move forward."