1 week Ago By Michael Chammas
Cross-code superstar Joey Manu is considering asking for a release from his French Rugby contract on compassionate grounds to return home to New Zealand – a move that could open the door for an NRL return with the Warriors. Manu, who is currently playing Japanese Rugby for Toyota Verblitz, has signed a deal with French Rugby club Racing 92 and is schedule to join them for pre-season training in July ahead of the season start in August. Sources with knowledge of the situation, talking on the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality, said the 28-year-old was reconsidering his future and wanted to return to New Zealand due to family reasons.
If Manu got out of his French rugby deal before June 30, it would open the door for him to become a free agent and return to the NRL this season. He would also attract attention from New Zealand Super Rugby clubs. Warriors chief executive Cameron George said he was unaware of Manu’s situation on Wednesday evening.
“The Warriors have had no discussions in respect to Joey Manu’s future, but of course if Joey Manu was to become available we would definitely sit down with his management,” George said. “To this date, we’ve had none whatsoever.” While Manu left the Roosters on good terms, it is understood he has a desire to continue his sporting career in New Zealand for family reasons.
Complicating the situation at Racing 92 is the fact that Manu signed the deal when Stuart Lancaster was coach of the club. Lancaster has since left the club. Racing 92 are also fighting to avoid relegation and sit in 11th position on the ladder, with the bottom two teams of the 14-team competition to be relegated at season’s end.
The Warriors, who have unexpected salary cap space due to the sudden retirement of skipper Tohu Harris in the pre-season, would be interested in luring Manu to their club if he were to become available. Manu has long held a desire to play fullback but was unable to cement that position at the Roosters with captain James Tedesco at the club ahead of him. The Warriors could have an opening in the No.
1 jersey from next season with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad linked to a potential shift to the Super League next year. Manu would be a major acquisition for a Warriors team currently flying high on the NRL ladder in fourth position on the back of three consecutive wins after the disappointment of their Las Vegas drubbing at the hands of the Raiders in round one..
