The premiership-winning Roosters face a significant loss of experience in 2027.
According to The Mole, the club will begin formal steps to sign Joseph Manu that season.
Manu is expected back in the NRL midway through 2027, before starting his confirmed two-year deal with the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
He left the Roosters at the end of 2024 for Japan's Toyota Verblitz, then joined Racing 92 in France.
His Racing contract runs until mid-2027, and the Top 14 season usually ends in late June after its final.
Speculation about an earlier NRL return surfaced as early as July. A social-media hint from the Chiefs led to Manu being dubbed "007".
The Roosters beat Newcastle Knights in the Grand Final.
In September, Trent Robinson left the door open but cautioned against assumptions: "Well, I know he is going to PNG. Who knows. Who knows,"