One of the NRL’s most talented free agents has been taken off the market with the Roosters announcing a contract extension for superstar centre Joey Manu.
Manu had been linked to a potential move back home, with the Warriors tabling an offer that could have made the 25-year-old the code’s next million-dollar-a-season player. There was also reportedly strong interest from at least two of the Queensland clubs but nothing that could turn Manu’s head enough to stop him recommitting to the Tricolours for a further two seasons.
He is now contracted with the Roosters until the end of the 2024 season.
READ MORE: Judges’ scorecards almost rob George Kambosos of historic title
READ MORE: Umpire’s shocker remains after NZ batter takes too long to challenge
READ MORE: Frank Williams, Williams F1 team founder, dies at 79
“The Roosters is home to me and I couldn’t see myself playing for another club. From the top down, I love this club,” Manu said in a statement.
“Trent and the coaches and staff we have here help make me a better player and person every day. It’s a privilege to wear the Roosters jersey and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Manu’s re-signing is the second sign in 24 hours that the future is bright in Bondi, with gun Storm utility Brandon Smith also deciding to ink a deal with the Roosters, in what will be arguably the biggest blow to expansion franchise the Dolphins, who have been unable to attract a face of the franchise type player.
The Dolphins publicly courted Smith but the lure of the NRL’s glamour club in Sydney’s eastern suburbs couldn’t be topped by what Wayne Bennett is hoping to build.
The Smith coup is yet to be announced by the Roosters but it is understood to be a done deal.
Speaking about the Manu re-signing, Roosters coach Trent Robinson described him as “a game-changer”.
“Joseph has been with club since he was a schoolboy and I’ve loved watching him develop into the hardworking player and game-changer we all enjoy watching today,” Robinson said.
“Joey has an incredible work ethic and is confident in the player and man that he is, and it’s great news that his leadership will continue to benefit the Roosters in the coming years.”
Manu has played 114 NRL games since making his debut with the Roosters in 2016 and was a member of the club’s 2018 and 2019 premiership-winning sides.
In the representative arena, the proud product of New Zealand’s Tokoroa has represented the Maori All Stars (2021) and played five Tests for the Kiwis.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!