Manu admits to All Blacks 'dream' in return denial
Sydney Roosters Joey Manu has poured cold water on suggestions he’ll return to the club after his contract in Japanese rugby ends, while admitting his desire to play for the All Blacks.
In April, Manu signed a one-year deal with Toyota Verblitz, leaving the door open for a rugby league return.
However, Manu denies that’s a certainty without completely ruling it out.
“I don’t even know to be honest,” he told media on Tuesday.
“Obviously next year is rugby union, that’s my main focus.
Joseph Manu is set for the exit door at the Roosters.
“But I just want to focus on this season but then I haven’t really said I’m coming back so once I get over there I’m playing rugby union and I’m just going to try my best at that and if I enjoy it I’ve got a few things I want to do.”
The 27-year-old admitted one of those things is to pull on the famous All Blacks jersey.
“Obviously that’s a big dream for any Kiwi kid, but it’s hard because you have to play in New Zealand to play with them so we’ll see how that goes,” Manu said.
“Hopefully they change the rules.”
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Under eligibility rules, only domestic-based players can represent the All Blacks.
Pressed on whether the Japanese deal was an attempt to put himself in the shop window for Super Rugby Pacific clubs, Manu denied that’s the case.
Two of season 2024's most talked about players appeared on their respective team-sheets when they landed this afternoon – Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell and Rooster Spencer Leniu both back from suspension. @Danny_Weidler #9News pic.twitter.com/hLskJkcrBr
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) May 7, 2024
“That’s not my focus, I’m going over there to learn the game again and that’s (All Blacks opportunity) down the line,” he said.
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, with every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
“It’s just for a bit of experience, enjoy something different and also there’s some good coaches over there (Ian Foster and Steve Hansen), two ex-All Blacks coaches, obviously Aaron Smith is over there (too).
“I just want to learn … just learn the sport again.”