NRL 2024: Joseph Manu to rely heavily on Roosters teammate before rugby switch, drawing inspiration from RTS’ impressive NRL comeback.
Joseph Manu has spent the past few years mentoring Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on how to excel in the NRL. However, the dynamic has shifted, with Suaalii now imparting his knowledge before the duo transitions to rugby union in 2025.
Suaalii’s decision to switch to rugby union made headlines last year, sparking speculation that he might be released early from his Roosters contract. However, these rumors quickly dissipated as the young star began the season strongly.
While Manu’s potential move has not been officially confirmed, he has openly admitted that he will be heading to Japan next year. Toyota Verblitz is rumored to be the frontrunner to sign him on a two-year deal.
“I’m not too sure yet. We’re in talks now, but I’ll be heading over next year, and I’ll see how I go from there,” said the 2022 Golden Boot winner.
Manu is expected to excel in Japan, provided he receives enough opportunities with the ball. The Kiwis fullback is seeking to challenge himself in a completely new environment.
This is why he has intensified his discussions with Suaalii, who possesses extensive knowledge of rugby and feels indebted to Manu for the lessons he has learned from him at the Roosters.
“It was my own decision. But now that I’ve made this decision, I have had little chats with him and seen the way he’s thinking,” Manu explained.
“I chose this path myself – I wanted to go overseas and explore and live a bit of life with my family. Obviously, the challenge of playing rugby, too.
“I wasn’t keen on going back to New Zealand and playing just yet. It’s just experiencing things – that was the main thing – experiencing life and the new challenge of learning the game again.
“That’s the best development for me starting rugby.
“Now that it’s all happening, I’ve definitely had chats with him, and he’s been really good. Obviously, he’s going back for a while there, and I think he’ll be great in rugby.”
Initially, it was reported that Manu was heading to French rugby, but with that now off the table, the outside back could return to the NRL as early as 2026, given that the Japanese season finishes in May. This would mean he’d only miss the opening few months of the NRL season.
He has always indicated that he would return to the Roosters if he comes back to rugby league, and the club has openly expressed its desire to have him back.
The only uncertainty now is whether this would also involve a reunion with Suaalii, who could very well return to the NRL when his rugby deal expires.
“I’m not sure, I don’t know what happens, I just ride every moment as it comes and just live in the moment,” Manu said.
“But it would be cool to play next to him, hopefully down the line, hopefully at the Roosters. This club’s given me a lot. I’m not too sure how everything will work out but, yeah, hopefully.”
While some outside backs have struggled in their second stint in the NRL after time in rugby, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has shown signs that he’s going to be just as dominant as when he won the 2018 Dally M.
“He’s always going to have that effect, he’s just that player. I don’t know why people say (he couldn’t succeed again in the NRL),” Manu said.
“He’s a special player, and you know what he’s going to bring. He’s going to have a big season, and it’s good to see him back in the game. I think this is where he shines in the NRL.
“He’s been killing it, and I’m looking forward to watching him all season.”
