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Joseph Manu

Joseph Manu (born 29 June 1996) is a professional player renowned for his versatility across and codes. Standing at 192 cm and weighing 102 kg, he primarily plays as a or centre, having debuted in the (NRL) with the in 2016. Over 181 appearances for the Roosters through 2024, Manu scored 69 tries and contributed 276 points, achieving a 65.75% win rate while helping secure two NRL Premierships in 2018 and 2019, along with multiple Anzac Test victories and World Club Challenges. Internationally, he represented in 17 Test matches, scoring 6 tries, and also played for the Māori All Stars. In 2022, Manu earned the prestigious Dally M Centre of the Year award and the international Golden Boot as the world's best player. Transitioning to rugby union in 2025, Manu joined in , where he impressed with 11 tries in his debut season despite the team's 10th-place finish. He opted not to extend his contract beyond 2025 and instead signed a multi-year deal with in France's competition, committing until the end of the 2027 season and quashing immediate speculation of an NRL return. expressed no interest in pursuing him for the All Blacks in 2026, citing concerns over his age—turning 30 that year—and uncertainties about his long-term commitment to union. Manu's career trajectory highlights his adaptability and elite skill set, positioning him as a cross-code talent with potential for further success in European rugby.

Early life

Childhood and family

Joseph Manu was born on 29 June 1996 in , , . He was raised in the small town of , where he spent his childhood immersed in outdoor sports, particularly , playing with friends and from sunrise to sunset. This active lifestyle reflected his early passion for athletics, as he later recalled that sports were essentially all he knew and could do during those formative years. Manu's family background is deeply rooted in bicultural heritage, with ancestry from the Ngā Puhi in the Rāwhiti and Waikare regions, alongside Kuki Airani () descent through his grandparents. His parents, Darnel and Nooroa, both teachers at High School, fostered a close-knit environment that emphasized cultural connections and community values. This support from aunties, uncles, and elders helped maintain his ties to tradition in , often referred to as the "16th Island" due to its significant Cook Islander population, shaping his grounded and humble outlook. As a young person, Manu was notably shy, a trait evident even in his early teenage years after moving to , where he often remained silent for extended periods in team settings. His family's involvement in his athletic pursuits laid the foundation for his development, with encouragement providing the stability that propelled his interest in sports from casual play to a professional pathway.

Education and junior career

Manu attended Tokoroa High School in , , where he first engaged in competitive through the school's teams. He selected this school deliberately to pursue his passion for without the pressure from prestigious institutions that often discouraged league participation to prioritize union pathways. As a teenager, Manu was scouted and signed by the , transitioning from New Zealand junior competitions to the club's Australian development system in 2014. Initially around age 17, he balanced this move by flying back and forth from for SG Ball Cup (under-18s) training and matches, supported by his parents who encouraged him to maintain his studies alongside the sport. In his debut season with the Roosters' juniors, Manu contributed to the 2014 SG Ball premiership-winning side before advancing to the NYC (under-20s) competition, where he quickly adapted and earned selection for the Junior Kiwis. During his junior years, Manu demonstrated positional versatility across the backs, excelling as a , winger, and centre, with his pace and try-scoring ability standing out in the Roosters' pathways. Upon relocating more permanently to , he faced adaptation challenges stemming from his small-town upbringing, describing himself as shy and initially reluctant to engage with senior players, often keeping to himself during club visits. Despite this quiet demeanor, his performances in junior ranks solidified his progression toward professional opportunities.

Rugby league career

Club career with Sydney Roosters

Joseph Manu made his NRL debut for the in Round 15 of the 2016 season, at the age of 19, playing on the wing against the at Mt Smart Stadium. Initially positioned on the flank, Manu appeared in just three first-grade games that year, showcasing his speed and footwork but still developing his defensive game. Over the following seasons, he transitioned fluidly between wing, centre, fullback, and even , demonstrating exceptional versatility that became a hallmark of his Roosters tenure. Manu's breakout came during the , where he played 26 games primarily at centre, scoring eight tries and contributing to the Roosters' maiden premiership in 21 years. In the Grand Final against the , he scored a try at the 36th minute, helping secure a 21-6 victory and earning praise for his attacking flair and improved defence under coach Trent Robinson. The following year, 2019, saw him feature in 25 matches, again netting eight tries, as the Roosters defended their title with a 14-8 win over the in the decider. His defensive efforts stood out, including a season highlight tackle that won him the club's Tackle of the Year award, underscoring his growth into a complete backline player. By 2022, Manu had solidified his status as one of the NRL's elite centres, playing 23 games and scoring 11 tries while earning the Dally M Centre of the Year award for his dominant performances. That season, he led the Roosters' backline in metres gained and tackle breaks, playing a key role in their push despite the team's semi-final exit, with his leadership evident in high-stakes matches like the local against South Sydney. His form that year highlighted his ability to orchestrate attacks from the right edge, often creating opportunities for wingers through offloads and line breaks. Manu's final NRL season in 2024 served as a fitting farewell, with 23 appearances and 10 tries, including a standout double against rivals South Sydney in Round 3, contributing to a 48-6 thrashing in the Derby. Throughout his Roosters career, spanning from 2016 to 2024, he amassed 181 games and 69 tries, embodying club loyalty through multiple contract extensions, including a notable two-year deal in 2019 that kept him in amid interest from rivals. His adaptability across positions not only filled critical gaps but also defined the Roosters' backline success in two premierships and several Anzac Cup victories.

International career with New Zealand

Joseph Manu earned his first cap for the New Zealand Kiwis, numbered #815, with his debut in a Test match against in on October 13, 2018, where he played at in a 34-8 defeat. His rapid ascent to a core senior squad member followed, bolstered by strong club form. Manu played a pivotal role in New Zealand's campaign during the delayed held in 2022, starting all five matches primarily at and contributing three tries across the . In the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, his standout performances included a tournament-high 1,301 metres run over five games, earning him selection in the RLIF of the Tournament and the International Rugby League Golden Boot award as the world's best player. Manu continued his international contributions in the 2023 Pacific Championships, participating in all three Tests, including a 28-10 semi-final win over where he ran for over 200 metres despite a , and the grand final return to against Australia. By the end of his international career, he had amassed 17 caps, scoring six tries and providing multiple try assists through his playmaking, often stepping into leadership roles during absences of key players like . His versatility across positions—, centre, , and wing—made him a of the Kiwis' backline, emphasizing his global impact in high-stakes .

Transition to rugby union

Announcement and motivations

In April 2024, Joseph Manu publicly announced his departure from the at the conclusion of the to transition to , signing a one-year contract with Japanese club for the 2024-25 season. The decision followed months of speculation that began in February 2024, when reports emerged of his interest in overseas rugby opportunities, marking him as the second Roosters star—after —to switch codes that year. Manu expressed his intent to complete the 2024 NRL campaign strongly before making the full-time shift abroad. Manu's motivations for the switch were multifaceted, rooted in a lifelong connection to rugby union and a desire for personal and professional growth at age 27. He revealed that he had played union as a child in New Zealand before moving to Australia and embracing league, and the opportunity allowed him to reconnect with the 15-man code he had not pursued since his youth. After a successful NRL tenure that included two premierships and 181 games with the Roosters, Manu sought career diversification through a fresh challenge, viewing the move as a way to test himself in a new environment and skill set. Financial incentives played a role, with the deal reportedly worth approximately AUD 1 million, alongside family considerations such as immersing his loved ones in Japanese culture and providing them with novel experiences overseas. The announcement elicited mixed reactions across the NRL community, with Roosters fans expressing devastation over the loss of a club mainstay, describing themselves as "shattered" and "gutted" amid the club's inability to match rival offers exceeding AUD 800,000 annually. The Roosters supported Manu's choice, issuing a statement wishing him success while emphasizing his legacy as a "Rooster for life." NRL peers viewed the switch as part of a broader trend of high-profile exits to , highlighting the competitive financial landscape between codes. Media coverage fueled speculation about Manu's potential trajectory toward the All Blacks, given his heritage and the presence of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster at Verblitz, though Manu downplayed immediate international ambitions.

Initial challenges

Joseph Manu commenced training with in early October 2024, approximately 10 days after the ' preliminary final loss to the on September 27, 2024, marking the end of his NRL season. This rapid transition left little time for rest, as footage captured him participating in agility drills, ball-handling exercises, and team introductions alongside new teammates. During his initial sessions, Manu relied on a translator to communicate, highlighting the immediate language barriers he faced in integrating with the predominantly Japanese-speaking squad. Adapting to union's rules presented significant physical and technical hurdles, particularly the shift from 's continuous, high-speed play to union's emphasis on structured set pieces. had to learn the intricacies of lineouts, where players lift teammates to contest throws-in, and rucks, involving binding and contesting for possession at —elements absent in . Early preseason efforts focused on altering his instincts, such as engaging directly in rucks rather than standing off, with successfully winning two (turnovers at the breakdown) as signs of . The new contact dynamics, including tackling into rucks and mauls, increased risks due to unfamiliar positions and collision compared to 's more open-field . Culturally, relocating to with his family introduced further adjustments, including navigating daily life in a foreign environment where English is not widely spoken outside the team. As a high-profile joining a club coached by former All Blacks figures like Ian Foster and , Manu encountered expectations to quickly assimilate into the team's disciplined, collective culture, which prioritizes group harmony over individual flair—a contrast to the NRL's intensity. His family relocation added layers of personal adaptation, such as settling children into local schools and routines amid the cultural shift. From the outset, media attention amplified these pressures, with speculation about his potential All Blacks eligibility creating high performance expectations before he had played a competitive match. Commentators and former coaches debated his positional fit—whether as a , centre, or —and compared his switch to past code-hoppers like , fueling debates on whether the 28-year-old could adapt swiftly enough for international contention. This scrutiny, evident even in preseason reports, underscored the professional stakes of his move, though Manu emphasized focusing on daily learning over long-term rumors.

Rugby union career

Time with Toyota Verblitz

Joseph Manu made his professional debut for on December 22, 2024, in the opening round of the season against Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay. Playing primarily at centre, he scored a try in the 40th minute, assisted by former All Black Aaron Smith, helping Verblitz take a 21-10 halftime lead before ultimately falling 27-30 in a late comeback sealed by Bernard Foley's . Throughout the 2024-25 season, Manu demonstrated rapid adaptation to the physical demands of , transitioning from his background to excel in both attack and defence. He scored 11 tries across 18 appearances, ranking joint-fourth in the league's try-scoring standings, with notable finishes including a late try off the bench against on January 19, 2025, where he also set up another score in a 52-28 defeat, and a game-turning ninth try of the season in the 42nd minute against on March 30, 2025. His attacking contributions extended beyond tries, with strong line-running that generated significant metres gained and effective offloads in tight spaces, showcasing his ability to handle the league's intense physicality. Defensively, Manu contributed reliably in the backline, completing a high percentage of tackles while adapting to union's ruck and breakdown rules. Toyota Verblitz struggled overall, finishing the regular season in 10th place in Division 1 with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 13 losses, accumulating 24 points and missing the , which were contested by the top eight teams. Manu's performances provided highlights amid the team's challenges, often injecting pace and creativity into Verblitz's backline. By March 2025, midway through the season, Manu reflected positively on his code switch, dismissing speculation of an NRL return and affirming his commitment to for at least another year, citing his growing comfort with the sport's nuances and enjoyment of life in . He noted being "on fire" in form, having scored multiple tries and contributed to key moments despite early training adjustments from his league days.

Move to Racing 92

In mid-2025, Joseph Manu signed a contract with Top 14 club Racing 92, extending his commitment through the end of the 2027 season, despite earlier rumors in April 2025 of a potential early exit to return to the NRL on compassionate grounds related to family matters. These speculations were resolved by July, confirming his relocation to Paris and integration into the French rugby environment following his tenure with Toyota Verblitz in Japan, which served as a foundational step in his union career. The move positioned Manu in a highly competitive European league, surrounded by international talents such as Gaël Fickou and Josua Tuisova in Racing 92's star-studded backline. Manu made his debut for in the 2025-26 season, starting in late September and featuring primarily as a centre or winger, leveraging his versatile skill set from . Key performances included scoring a try in a 43-31 victory over Clermont Auvergne on 27 September 2025, where he contributed to the backline's attacking fluidity. He also started in subsequent matches, such as the 32-25 win against on 11 October and the 45-21 loss to on 19 October, adapting to the physical demands of European rugby while providing strong carries and offloads. Through early November 2025, Manu had appeared in seven matches for , scoring one try for five points total, with notable contributions including 35 carries and 26 successful passes across his outings, demonstrating his integration into the squad's high-tempo play. The transition brought challenges, including family relocation to amid the cultural and logistical adjustments of moving from , yet Manu has expressed focus on building consistency in the professional setup. Looking ahead, Manu's contract provides stability through 2027, opening opportunities for participation in the should qualify, while ongoing NRL return speculation persists but appears tempered by his recent commitment to the club.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Joseph Manu is married to Tyrelle Manu. The couple welcomed their first child, a , in early 2024. Manu personally assisted in the home delivery after his wife went into labor around midnight, following instructions from paramedics over the phone as an was delayed; he caught the baby using towels just before dawn. Fatherhood profoundly influenced Manu's motivation during his final NRL season in , spurring him to pursue a premiership with the so his daughter could witness the achievement, and providing emotional drive amid his impending code switch to . Manu's family has played a key role in his relocation decisions, with the move to Japan viewed as a positive experience for the household, allowing them to embrace new cultural opportunities while balancing professional commitments. In 2025, following his stint with , the family relocated to France for his contract with , though specific details on their involvement remain private. Manu maintains a high level of regarding his , with public disclosures about family milestones, such as the birth story, being rare and shared only to highlight their joys and influence on his journey.

Interests outside

Outside of his career, Joseph Manu has pursued as a creative outlet, particularly through . He is a member of the Sydney Roosters-affiliated group Dreamyourz, alongside teammates Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Sitili Tupouniua, and , which formed from shared interests in during team bonding sessions. The group released their debut Off-SZN in early 2025, featuring the viral track "We Rock The Party," which garnered over 85,000 streams within two days of launch. Manu maintains a strong connection to his Māori heritage, tracing his whakapapa to the Rāwhiti and Waikare regions, complemented by his Kuki Airani roots, having been raised in —a town known for its significant Cook Islander community, often called the "16th Island." His grandparents played a key role in instilling cultural values during his upbringing, and he continues to engage through ties and community events in , including visits to local schools in Tokoroa to inspire youth about opportunities beyond their hometown. In addition to his on-field contributions, Manu has taken on mentorship roles with younger players, evolving from a reserved newcomer—once spending entire days in silence during early team trips—to a vocal leader at the Roosters. He has particularly guided since the teenager's 2021 arrival, offering advice on NRL life, alongside supporting talents like Sam Walker and Nat Butcher, drawing from his own experiences to foster their development. Looking ahead, Manu has expressed interest in expanding these mentorship efforts post-retirement, viewing them as a way to give back to emerging athletes. Manu's hobbies include maintaining rigorous routines essential to his athletic , such as structured camps and personal workouts adapted to his moves. His relocation to for the 2024-2025 season with provided opportunities to explore travel experiences, including vlogs documenting life in and Susono, where he adapted to local culture while prioritizing physical conditioning away from the field.

Honours

Rugby league achievements

Joseph Manu achieved significant success in rugby league, highlighted by his contributions to two NRL Premiership titles with the . In the 2018 , he scored a crucial try in the Roosters' 21-6 victory over the , helping secure the club's first premiership in 26 years. The following year, Manu played a key role in the Roosters' back-to-back premiership win, including a standout defensive performance in the preliminary final against the , where the team held their opponents to just 6 points in a 14-6 grind-out victory en route to the 14-8 triumph over the . On the individual front, Manu earned recognition as one of the NRL's top centres in , named to the Dally M Team of the Year in that position after a season of consistent excellence for the Roosters. He also received club accolades, including the Clubman of the Year award from the Roosters, and had been nominated for Player of the Year honors in prior seasons. Manu's international career with the Kiwis further cemented his legacy, culminating in the where he won the Golden Boot as the world's best player, leading the tournament with 3 tries and amassing over 300 metres per game across five appearances. He was a pivotal figure in the Kiwis' Pacific Championships campaigns, contributing to dominant wins such as the 50-0 victory over Toa in 2023, and amassed 17 Test caps overall with 6 tries.

Rugby union achievements

Joseph Manu's transition to rugby union began with a standout debut for in the on 22 December 2024, where he scored a try at centre against Kubota Spears, contributing to a 30-27 loss. Over the 2024-25 season, he featured in 18 matches, scoring 11 tries for 55 points, establishing himself as one of the league's top try-scorers among newcomers and imports despite the team's mid-table finish in 10th place. His performances included a key try in a 29-17 win over on 30 March 2025, and a strong showing off the bench against on 19 January 2025, where he scored and set up a late try in a 38-22 defeat, earning praise for his attacking flair from cross-code transition. In the 2025-26 season with , Manu has appeared in seven matches through early November, scoring one try and accumulating five points while averaging nearly per game. Notable contributions include his try in a 43-31 win over Clermont on 27 September 2025, helping secure an early-season victory, and played in subsequent triumphs such as 32-25 against on 11 October 2025, where his backline presence supported Racing's fourth win in seven rounds. Although suffered a 45-21 loss to on 19 October 2025, Manu's involvement has positioned the team well for potential qualification to the , given their competitive standing in the league. Manu has yet to earn individual awards in rugby union, but his rapid adaptation has been recognized by coaches, including former All Blacks mentor Ian Foster, who noted his progress in handling the 15-man game's demands during the Toyota stint. As a code-switcher from rugby league, he has gained over 120 metres from 35 carries in the early Top 14 phase, underscoring his broader impact on team dynamics without international caps to date.

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