LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a recent interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, former code-hopping star Sonny Bill Williams expressed his belief that Joseph Manu should be allowed to make the switch to rugby union.
Williams, who himself has played in both rugby league and rugby union, believes that this move will ultimately benefit Manu as a player.
Manu, who has predominantly played in the centres for the Sydney Roosters, has ambitions of becoming a fullback.
A potential short-term switch to Japanese rugby could see him earn a substantial amount of money, potentially north of a million dollars per season.
This move would allow Manu to explore other options and further develop his skills before returning to the NRL in 2025.
While there have been some concerns raised about the potential impact on the NRL's salary cap, Williams is of the opinion that Manu's status as an elite player should grant him the freedom to pursue different opportunities.
Overall, Williams believes that this move could potentially make Manu an even bigger asset to the NRL when he returns.