LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Sydney Roosters' ace Joey Manu has left the door open for a possible NRL return after his time in Japanese rugby union, showing his ambition to represent Cook Islands on the rugby league field.
The 2022 IRL Golden Boot winner has made waves by signing a one-year deal with Toyota Verblitiz, but whispers of a cross-code switch have not deterred Manu from staying connected to his roots in league.
Teaming up with England's flying winger Dom Young and sharpshooting halfback Sam Walker on the Roosters' right flank, Manu is relishing the opportunity to showcase his skills in a new setting.
Their partnership, forged in the fires of the ANZAC Day victory over St George Illawarra, is set to flourish as the season unfurls, promising to be a formidable force for opposition teams to contend with.
Paying homage to Manu's heritage with Cook Islands, the Roosters' deal with the star player represents a tradition of players with Cook Islands roots gracing the red, white, and blue jersey.
With hopes high for Manu to don the Cook Islands colors in the future, the CIRL chairman Charles Carlson sees a potential shift in international allegiances that could reshape the rugby league landscape.