Signings watch: Why Manu must play NRL in 2027

Joey Manu has confirmed that he’ll be returning to the NRL in 2028 with the PNG Chiefs.

But David Riccio believes that, in order for the Kiwi representative to be at his best for the expansion side, he must play a stint with another NRL club in 2027.

On Monday, it was confirmed after weeks of speculation that Manu would join the NRL’s 19th side, having signed a two-year deal.

The signature of the 30-year-old versatile back marks the seventh player to the club’s inaugural roster, with Riccio liking the decision.  

“I think it's a good signing,” he said on SEN’s Front Office with Vossy.

“You won't hear me bagging it. Elite player, former Golden Boot winner.”

However, Riccio did express some concern that Manu may struggle to get up to speed in the competition when he re-joins.

Since leaving the NRL in 2024, the New Zealander switched codes to play Rugby Union.

Currently, the 30-year-old has been with French Rugby Union side Racing 92. Before that, he spent a season with Japan with Toyota Verblitz.

To alleviate that issue, the News Corp journalist believes the former Rooster should consider a stint in the NRL in 2027 after the conclusion of the Top14 season.

“But I'd just come back to you, and please don't see this as criticism; it's just a genuine question and probably raises the interest really on how Joey Manu (is) gonna come back into this NRL competition after a stint in French rugby,” he continued.

“The real fascination for me is that his French rugby contract actually ends; it was a similar situation this year, where I first reported there was genuine interest from the Warriors to get Joey Manu into the Warriors squad for the remainder of this season, due to the fact that his French rugby season only runs till June, and then it's offseason.

“That's what will happen next year. His contract will cease in French rugby in June next year and allow him to finish a season, potentially with any NRL club before then joining the PNG Chiefs.

“It's gonna be fascinating. I think it's important he actually does it to get his timing back.

“He's been coming off the bench at stages in French rugby. So, it's not as fierce, it's not as intense as what he would find in the NRL.

“I think as great a player as he is, I think to get his timing back, an NRL club picking up Joey Manu is genuinely a possibility and something I think he needs from June to October next year.”

At this stage, no club has emerged as a potential contender.

The PNG Chiefs join the NRL in 2028.