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 employees, 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 staff.
“I’ve cherished my time enjoying rugby league for the Roosters, so it has been a tricky resolution to depart the membership and NRL,” Manu mentioned.
“I’ll at all times be grateful to put on the Roosters jersey and to everybody who has supported me and offered me with some unimaginable alternatives.”
All Blacks fly half Beauden Barrett and Springboks big Pieter-Steph du Toit are additionally on the Verblitz squad.
Hansen mentioned the membership sees Manu as a fullback, winger or centre, including his “nice abilities and powerful work ethic” ought to make for a “clean transition” to union.
“I imagine we will make the transition. Additionally, his talent set lends itself nicely to our model of play and the rugby league he at present performs,” Hansen mentioned.
Manu was named the Dally M centre of the 12 months for the Roosters in 2022 and gained the Golden Boot award as one of the best participant in worldwide rugby league, whereas enjoying 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 previous, Manu boasts two premierships, in 2018 and 2019, in his 164 video games for the membership.
“Joey has been open about his want to expertise the problem of residing abroad together with his younger household, and of enjoying in a special atmosphere, so whereas we’re unhappy to see him go, we totally assist him,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson mentioned.
“Joey will at all times be a Rooster. He’s very clear on what he desires to realize this season and we look ahead to sharing the 12 months forward.”
Manu is the second Rooster in simply over a 12 months to announce plans to depart the league for a shot within the 15-a-side recreation, with Joseph Aukuso Sua’ali’i set to take up a profitable cope with Rugby Australia from subsequent season.
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