Joey Manu confirms he’ll go away NRL and Sydney Roosters to affix Japanese rugby union’s Toyota Verblitz
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Joey Manu will go away the Sydney Roosters in 2025 after signing a year-long cope with Japanese rugby union facet Toyota Verblitz.
Manu’s exit has been on the playing cards for months with the Roosters and Verblitz, who boast former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen amongst their workers, lastly confirming the transfer on Tuesday.
The New Zealand worldwide will go away the Tricolours on the finish of the 2024 NRL season, similtaneously Wallabies flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase is ready to affix the crew.
“I’ve cherished my time taking part in rugby league for the Roosters, so it has been a troublesome resolution to depart the membership and NRL,” Manu stated.
“I’ll at all times be grateful to put on the Roosters jersey and to everybody who has supported me and supplied me with some unimaginable alternatives.”
All Blacks fly half Beauden Barrett and Springboks large Pieter-Steph du Toit are additionally on the Verblitz squad.
Hansen stated the membership sees Manu as a fullback, winger or centre, including his “nice abilities and robust work ethic” ought to make for a “easy transition” to union.
“I consider we are able to make the transition. Additionally, his talent set lends itself properly to our fashion of play and the rugby league he presently performs,” Hansen stated.
Manu was named the Dally M centre of the yr for the Roosters in 2022 and received the Golden Boot award as the most effective participant in worldwide rugby league, whereas taking part in fullback for New Zealand.
He has additionally performed five-eighth for the Bondi membership, the place he made his NRL debut in 2016.
Nonetheless solely 27 years outdated, Manu boasts two premierships, in 2018 and 2019, in his 164 video games for the membership.
“Joey has been open about his need to expertise the problem of dwelling abroad along with his younger household, and of taking part in in a special setting, so whereas we’re unhappy to see him go, we totally assist him,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson stated.
“Joey will at all times be a Rooster. He’s very clear on what he desires to realize this season and we sit up for sharing the yr forward.”
Manu is the second Rooster in simply over a yr to announce plans to depart the league for a shot within the 15-a-side sport, with Joseph Aukuso Sua’ali’i set to take up a profitable cope with Rugby Australia from subsequent season.
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ABC/AAP
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