Roosters Make History with Manu and Suaalii Three-Year Reunion
It is now official: the Sydney Roosters have secured the return of superstar duo Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii, who have signed three-year contracts to rejoin the club, marking a historic moment in Roosters’ history. The reunion brings back two of the game’s most dynamic talents, reuniting a partnership that once electrified fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Joey Manu’s legacy at the Roosters is already firmly established. He was instrumental in the club’s back-to-back NRL Premierships in 2018 and 2019, followed by a World Club Challenge victory in 2020. In 2022, he claimed the NRL Centre of the Year award and the prestigious Golden Boot as the world’s best rugby league player, cementing his status as a modern great. Manu departed briefly to explore new challenges but expressed excitement at returning to his spiritual home. “This is where my journey began, and I’m thrilled to be back alongside teammates and fans who mean so much to me,” he said.
Joseph Suaalii returns to rugby league after a stint in Rugby Union, where he had made his mark as a teenage sensation at the Roosters. Debuting via special exemption, he made an instant impact, earning NRL Team of the Year honours as a winger and contributing to a strong late-season surge in 2023. In 66 games for the club, he scored 29 tries, though his career included a red card in his lone State of Origin appearance. Suaalii stated, “The Roosters gave me my first chance, and I’m eager to build on the success we started here.”
Roosters CEO Joe Kelly hailed the signing as transformative. “Bringing back Manu and Suaalii is a historic achievement for our club,” Kelly said. “Their skill, leadership, and connection will elevate our squad as we aim for further silverware.” Head coach Trent Robinson added, “Their combination on the field is unparalleled, and their return strengthens our core for years to come.”
Fans have celebrated the reunion across social media, anticipating the pair’s explosive attacking flair. The deals ensure Manu and Suaalii will be central to the Roosters’ ambitions, promising an exciting new chapter in the club’s storied history.
