Sydney Roosters superstar Joey Manu has refused to rule out a return to the NRL after his stint in Japanese rugby union and confirmed an ambition to represent Cook Islands.Manu, who has signed a one-year deal with Toyota Verblitiz, has been considering the challenge of cross-code switch for some time but the 2022 IRL Golden Boot winner insists he isn’t shutting the door on rugby league.
Asked if NRL fans would see him back in the Telstra Premiership, Manu said: “Hopefully, but I don’t know for sure. I’m just I’m just going to live in the present and see what happens. I can’t really tell you, but hopefully”.
For now, the 28-year-old is enjoying his new right edge partnership with England winger Dom Young and star halfback Sam Walker.
The trio will play just their second game together against the Broncos on Friday night after starring in the ANZAC Day demolition of St George Illawarra and insist they will only get more lethal as the season continues.
“Dom’s just like an X-factor, he’s just got a lot of speed and I just try to get him the space whenever I can,” Manu said.
“He’s exciting to watch and exciting to play next to. Obviously, he got suspended for a couple of weeks, but I feel like once we start getting a few games together we can create a dangerous combo.
“If I do feel the space there for him, I’m just going to try and get the ball to him. We have seen what he is like in the backfield [against the Dragons] so hopefully he gets a few more opportunities like that.”
Young, who returned from a two-match ban after being sent off in the Round 5 loss to the Bulldogs, said he was still getting used to playing outside Manu after joining the Roosters from Newcastle this season.
