2 weeks Ago By Michael Burgess
NRL return for Joseph Manu unlikely Joseph Manu won’t be coming to the Warriors - and the chances of an NRL return also seem unlikely. The former Roosters star is currently playing rugby in Japan with Toyota Verblitz, before joining French club Racing 92 on a one year deal in June. A Sydney Morning Herald story last week speculated that Manu could seek a release from his Top 14 contract on compassionate grounds to return to Australasia, where he would have no shortage of suitors across league and union.
However, the possibility of a switch back to the 13-a-side code appear remote. The Herald understands that the Warriors have made enquiries about Manu, to comprehend the situation. It’s unlikely the club would have considered a short term deal – for the rest of this season – but obviously have pursued the 28-year-old before, on a couple of occasion s and have space in the salary cap.
However, it’s believed the Auckland club was told there was “nothing to the rumours” about a possible early exit from his French deal. If that situation changes, it’s also apparent that Manu, who has been mainly used on the wing in Japan, would want to pursue rugby if he does return to this part of the world. He is at the start of his rugby apprenticeship and would want to know he has given his All Blacks’ dream the best possible crack, via Super Rugby Pacific, aware of the time it took other converts to master Union’s different demands.
That doesn’t mean that Manu won’t return to the NRL in the future but that option will be on the table at any stage, given his past achievements..
