Joey Manu NRL contract news: Dragons captain Ben Hunt welcomes potential switch for Roosters star

Liam O'Loughlin

Joey Manu NRL contract news: Dragons captain Ben Hunt welcomes potential switch for Roosters star image

Ben Hunt has given the green light to his club's pursuit of Roosters superstar Joey Manu, admitting the Dragons are in need of star power after years of mediocrity on the field.

News broke on Wednesday from The Sydney Morning Herald that the struggling club were preparing an offer for Manu worth approximately $5 million over four years, with the open market window beginning on November 1st.

Shane Flanagan has made no secret of his desire to overhaul the St George Illawarra roster, starting with the signing of Hame Sele heading into next year, while the club are also expected to target Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden.

The side have failed to make the NRL finals for the past five seasons, with their last top-eight berth ending in heartbreak during a one-point semi-final loss to the Rabbitohs in 2018.

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Dragons captain Ben Hunt welcomes potential Joey Manu signing

The potential addition of Manu to the Red V squad on a long-term deal would give them immediate X-factor, with the Kiwi sensation long expressing his ambitions to become a permanent fullback in the top grade.

The 27-year-old has starred in the role for New Zealand over the years, but has only worn the No.1 jumper for the Roosters on sporadic occasions due to the presence of James Tedesco. 

Manu has also filled in at five-eighth at different stages for the Tricolours and in an interview with Channel 7Hunt admitted he would be open to exploring a combination with Manu, regardless of what number is on his back.

“He’s just a game-breaker from anywhere," the skipper said.

"You can be in a big grinding game where there’s nothing really going on and he can get the ball, break three or four tackles and score a try from anywhere.

"I’d love to have him in the halves with me – he can play most positions and it doesn’t bother me, just get him down there.

"We need to get some star power, I believe, down at the Dragons and he’s one that has definitely got plenty of star power... I’m glad they are going for him."

At this stage, Manu has not addressed his long-term future, with the Roosters undoubtedly the front-runners to retain his services despite looming interest from the Dragons and other rival clubs. 

Hunt's own contract status has been the topic of debate for the past six months, with the veteran halfback publicly seeking a release from the final two years of his stay at the Saints.

However, the club have taken a hard-line stance and the 33-year-old is now expected to remain in the red and white for the remainder of his NRL career. 

Roosters coach Trent Robinson responds to Joey Manu rumours

With plenty of interest coming early in the free agency period for the two-time premiership winner, Roosters coach Trent Robinson has moved to silence the noise and believes Manu will be remaining in Bondi long-term. 

“I've seen the commentary around that," he said during an interview with SEN

“The first thing is, the conversation with his manager have been ongoing, we’re pretty comfortable with where they’re at... Joey is a Rooster, I don’t expect him to go anywhere.

“[Shane Flanagan] is really trying to rebuild the Dragons and that’s really their prerogative - but I feel like they’ve thrown that out to get in touch with his manager. I don’t think those discussions have been had at all.”

Manu is expected to line up in his usual position of centre next year, but could earn an upgraded contract given the likes of Joseph Suaalii and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will be moving on at season's end. 

Joey Manu 2023 NRL stats

Games 21
Tries 8
Try Assists 5
Linebreaks 7
Tackle Breaks 123
Avg. Run Metres 138m
Avg. Tackles 17
Tackle Efficiency 82%

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.