Manu Ma’u is on the move, with Super League club Hull FC announcing his signing on a two-year deal from 2020.
In late June, NRL Leaks reported that Manu was close to joining former NRL players Albert Kelly, Mickey Paea and Sika Manu at Hull.
On Monday, the whispers grew louder, with The Lurker reporting that a club switch for Ma’u and Tepai Moeroa was imminent.
"Ma'u has been one of the most feared forwards in the game for several years with his big hits, while Moeroa was seen as 'the next big thing' in his early years in the top grade," Lurker wrote.
"But Ma'u is now 30 and a series of concussions and other injuries have slowed Moeroa's progress - and the Eels have told rival clubs both here and in England that they are available.
"The club is looking to give its forward pack a harder edge next season, chasing the likes of Souths' hardman George Burgess and Melbourne's consistent Christian Welch."
After damaging his MCL in a trial win over Penrith in March, Ma’u returned to the club in round 7’s 28-14 loss to the Raiders. Since then, the backrower has made his way back into the starting 13, playing the full 80 minutes in three of the Eels’ last four games.
Ma’u has crossed the line twice and averaged 126 running metres for 2019.
“It’s taken a couple of months to get over the line,” Ma’u said in a statement .
“My manager kept telling there was interest from the club so it took me a bit of time to make the decision, speaking to my wife and family to think about what was best for me. Having a young family with a wife and three kids, it was important they were happy with the decision, and they were. We’re all thrilled.
“I’m at a stage now where I want to challenge myself overseas and move out of my comfort zone. Hull have given me that chance.”
