Joey Manu’s return to the NRL may be gathering momentum after the former Sydney Roosters star was spotted meeting with PNG Chiefs officials. The code-hopping superstar is now firmly in the sights of rugby league’s newest franchise.
According to Nine, Manu recently met with PNG Chiefs officials as the club ramps up its recruitment drive ahead of its 2028 NRL debut. The meeting comes as the Chiefs continue assembling a marquee roster, having already secured Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson and Matty Lees.
Manu is currently contracted with French rugby union club Racing 92 until May 2027.
NRL MATCH CENTRE: View stats, odds, betting insights, team lists and tips here
That timeline makes him an ideal target for the expansion club, with the 29-year-old becoming available just months before the Chiefs enter the competition. According to The Daily Telegraph, Manu could even spend the second half of the 2027 NRL season with another club before joining PNG for its inaugural campaign in 2028.
Landing Manu would represent one of the biggest signings in the club’s short history.
During his time with the Sydney Roosters, Manu established himself as one of the NRL’s premier backs, playing 181 first-grade matches, winning two premierships and starring across centre, fullback and the international arena before switching to rugby union.
The Chiefs are showing no signs of slowing their recruitment campaign.
After making Luai their inaugural marquee signing, the club has continued to aggressively pursue elite talent. Recent reports have also linked PNG with Zac Lomax as officials look to build a competitive roster well before entering the competition.
While no deal has been finalised, the meeting is another indication the Chiefs are targeting established stars capable of attracting fans and giving the club an immediate platform for success.
If they can convince Manu to return to rugby league, it would be another enormous statement of intent from the NRL’s newest franchise.
NRL MATCH CENTRE: View stats, odds, betting insights, team lists and tips here
