AAP: By Scott Bailey
Joey Manu has become the latest high-profile player to sign with the PNG Chiefs, with the rugby convert to return to the NRL in 2028 at the new club.
Joey Manu has been unveiled as the much-hyped PNG Chief 007, with the two-time premiership winner to return to the NRL in 2028.
The Chiefs officially confirmed on Monday that Manu had signed a two-year deal with the club, which now boasts a backline that will be the envy of the NRL.
PNG had long-hyped their seventh signing, with speculation Nathan Cleary was bound for the club as their inaugural halfback.
But with a staircase showing each of their signings and “007” listed as “reserved”, that honour will now go to Manu ahead of the 2028 season.
“We’re thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward,” Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas said.
“He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses.
“His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team and we can’t wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey.”
Manu joins a list that already includes Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax, Brian To’o and Englishman Matty Lees.
The New Zealander last played in the NRL in 2024, and had widely been expected to return to the Sydney Roosters if he ever came back to Australia.
Manu had hoped to fulfill a boyhood dream of representing the All Blacks, but has so far been yet to do so while playing Japanese Rugby for the past two years.
PNG will be able to officially hit the market on November 1, with Cleary headlining a list of players who could still become free agents at that time.