PNG Chiefs make bond with Manu as their big 007 signing
Scott Bailey and Jasper Bruce |
PNG are set to enter the competition with the best backline in the NRL, after Joey Manu was unveiled as the Chiefs’ much-hyped 007 man.
Manu officially agreed to terms with PNG officials on Sunday night, meaning he will return to rugby league in 2028 after a three-year stint in rugby union.
His signature means the Chiefs now have an arsenal of attacking options in their backline, with Zac Lomax, Brian To’o and Alex Johnston having already signed for the club.
The quartet have 467 NRL tries between them and 44 Tests, with both Lomax and Manu options to play centre or fullback to accommodate the embarrassment of riches.
“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.”
The Chiefs already have a four-time premiership winner in Jarome Luai in the halves, while Sam Walker and Nathan Cleary remain on the table for 2028.
The bigger questions surrounds the Chiefs’ pack, with England Test prop Matty Lees the big signing so far and Connor Watson able to play hooker or lock.
Hudson Young looms as a likely target with the second-rower off contract at Canberra, while Cooper Bai is a natural option given his Papua New Guinea links.
Front-row options appear more challenging, with Stefano Utoikamanu the biggest name still unsigned for 2028.
The Chiefs cannot technically enter the market until November 1, and even with the high-profile tax-free exemptions had no expectation of being able to fill up seven roster spots ahead of time.
But the ability to pick off rugby players, NRL stars who were unsigned for 2027 and Penrith’s willingness to allow To’o to negotiate early has accelerated the process.
“If someone wants to go, you can’t compete,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said on Monday.
“Chammas has obviously done a pretty good job selling up there.
“If they do that well enough, and they’re interested, they’re not going to any other club if that’s what they’re into.”
At some point, the salary cap will create a pinch.
While much has been made of the Chiefs’ tax benefits, contracts offered must still meet NRL salary cap benchmarking.
Regardless, the early list looks impressive.
The Chiefs had teased the 007 signing after they locked in Luai and Johnston as their first two recruits, marking it as “reserved” on a staircase of signings.
That in itself had led to conjecture around halfback Cleary’s future with Penrith, with the Panthers trying to lock in the game’s best player before November 1.
But Manu also fits the superstar bill. The 30-year-old won a golden boot in 2022, and was among the best centres in the NRL for seven seasons.
The Chiefs teased his signing at 12:07am on Monday, before confirming it at a little after 7am
The club also posted several James Bond themed 007 Instagram stories on Monday, including one of a figure scaling the Eiffel Tower, with Manu currently playing in France.
Manu left the NRL for his overseas rugby union career with an eye to fulfilling a boyhood dream of playing for the All Blacks.
But his French rugby deal runs to the end of the 2026-27 season, and New Zealand Rugby only selects players for the All Blacks if they play domestically.
AAP