Joseph Manu has officially made his return to the NRL, signing a two-year deal with the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 season.
He is the seventh player to join the expansion team and will play for the Chiefs in 2028 and 2029 after finishing his contract in French rugby union.
The 30-year-old has spent time at Racing 92 in France since leaving the Roosters at the end of 2024, concluding his first tenure in the NRL after 181 games with the Tricolours.
His return adds another marquee player to the Chiefs, enhancing a backline that promises to be one of the most thrilling in the league before they've even played a game.
Manu joins former Roosters teammate Connor Watson in the squad, with Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Zac Lomax, and Alex Johnston also committed to this impressive attacking lineup.
Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson highlighted Manu's significance, saying, "Joey is another key signing for us and a further demonstration of the ambition we have for this club in making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea."
McPherson added, "His connection to the Pacific, his character, experience and standing in the game will have a profound impact on the club."
During his time with the Roosters, Manu proved to be one of the league's most explosive and adaptable backs, excelling in centre, fullback, and five-eighth roles.
He scored 69 tries in his 181 appearances and was instrumental in the Roosters' back-to-back premiership wins in 2018 and 2019.
On the international front, Manu has represented New Zealand in 17 Tests and was honored as the world's top international player by winning the Golden Boot in 2022.
With Luai leading the team and a dynamic backline that includes Manu, To'o, Lomax, and Johnston, the Chiefs are not just establishing a competitive roster for their debut season.
Manu's return signifies that one of the NRL's standout stars will come back to the league after his time in France, as the Chiefs continue to grow a squad poised for immediate success when they join the competition in 2028.