SYDNEY ROOSTERS CONFIRM JOSEPH MANU’S RETURN – RUGBY UNION CONVERT COMES HOME AFTER MONTHS OF RUMOURS
Two-time premiership winner and Golden Boot recipient completes sensational comeback to Bondi Junction
In a move that has sent waves of excitement through the rugby league community, the Sydney Roosters have officially announced the return of former superstar Joseph Manu to the club, bringing an end to months of speculation surrounding his homecoming. The deal marks a triumphant comeback for the Kiwi international, who has rejoined the team where he built his reputation as one of the game’s elite centres before his brief transition to rugby union.
Manu’s return to the Roosters comes after a successful stint in the 15-man code, but the allure of his former club proved too strong to resist. For weeks, rumours had circulated about potential talks between the player and Roosters officials, with fans eagerly awaiting confirmation of a move that many described as more than just a homecoming – a reunion with the team that shaped his career from junior levels through to the pinnacle of the sport.
During his first tenure with the Roosters, Manu achieved extraordinary success, cementing his status as a club legend. He was a key figure in the team’s back-to-back NRL Premiership victories in 2018 and 2019, and went on to claim two World Club Challenge titles in 2019 and 2020. His individual accolades include being named NRL Centre of the Year in 2022 and winning the prestigious Golden Boot Award the same year – an honour bestowed upon the world’s top rugby league player – which solidified his standing as a global superstar.
The Auckland-born talent first emerged through the Roosters’ junior pathways, where he won multiple junior titles and showcased the potential that would see him rise to the top of the sport. His combination of speed, strength, defensive nous and creative playmaking made him a fan favourite at Bondi Junction, with his performances often proving decisive in crucial matches.
Roosters CEO expressed immense pride at welcoming Manu back to the club family. “Joseph Manu is part of the fabric of this club, and to have him return is a momentous occasion for everyone connected to the Sydney Roosters,” he said. “His achievements here speak for themselves, and we know he will bring the same dedication, skill and leadership that made him a champion in our colours.”
Manu has stated that returning to the Roosters feels like coming home, and he is eager to contribute to the club’s next chapter of success. “This is where my journey in professional rugby league began, and I’ve never lost the connection I feel to this team and its fans,” he said. “I’m ready to give everything I have to help bring more silverware to Bondi.”
The deal is set to see Manu line up in the centres once again for the Roosters when the 2026 NRL season kicks off, with the club confirming he has signed a multi-year contract.
