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Manu's talks with PNG PM helped seal Chiefs deal

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Rugby league player Joey Manu will join the Chiefs in 2028 after a conversation with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister.
  • Manu, who is of Cook Island and Māori heritage, aims to make a positive impact on Pacific Island nations through the team.
  • The Chiefs are building a Pacific-focused team, with Manu joining several other notable signings.

Joey Manu revealed that a conversation with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister was instrumental in his decision to return to the NRL and join the Chiefs in 2028. The two-time premiership winner will be 31 when the two-year deal commences, bringing versatility to play fullback, centre, or five-eighth.

Talking to the prime minister and how passionate he was about making it not just a PNG team, but a Pacific team and trying to get the Pacific nations behind this team, I think it's going to be special.

— Joey ManuExplaining the influence of Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister on his decision.

Manu met Prime Minister James Marape during a tour of PNG last month. "Talking to the prime minister and how passionate he was about making it not just a PNG team, but a Pacific team and trying to get the Pacific nations behind this team, I think it's going to be special," Manu said. He expressed pride in his Cook Island and Māori heritage and the potential to positively influence young Pacific Island children.

"There's so much talent in the Pacific Islands, and rugby league is taking over the islands, so it's really cool to have a Pacific team," Manu added. His signing aligns with the Chiefs' vision of creating a Pacific-centric team. He joins other recent signings including Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Brian To'o, Zac Lomax, and English prop Matty Lees.

There's so much talent in the Pacific Islands, and rugby league is taking over the islands, so it's really cool to have a Pacific team.

— Joey ManuDiscussing the significance of a Pacific-focused rugby league team.

The PNG team is set to officially enter the open market in November, with speculation surrounding potential targets like Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker. Canberra's Hudson Young is also considered a possible target. Manu emphasized the significance of joining the Chiefs, particularly in its first year. "With how it can affect the country, that's why I wanted to go there," he stated.

With how it can affect the country, that's why I wanted to go there.

— Joey ManuExplaining his motivation for joining the Chiefs.

Manu previously left the Sydney Roosters for rugby union at the end of 2024, playing in Japan and France. His current contract expires next May, leaving open the possibility of a short stint with an NRL club before joining the Chiefs. "I really enjoy playing rugby league, so I'm excited. Rugby league is a special game for myself, and to come back and play in the NRL is very special," Manu concluded.

I really enjoy playing rugby league, so I'm excited. Rugby league is a special game for myself, and to come back and play in the NRL is very special.

— Joey ManuExpressing his enthusiasm for returning to the NRL.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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