Joseph Manu is the hottest player on the NRL open market, but his future at the Sydney Roosters is in doubt as the allure of rugby union heats up.
The 27-year-old has been one of the Tricolours' best players for many years, claiming back-to-back premierships and cementing himself as the game's elite centre.
Despite his success at Bondi and his adoration for the club, Manu has been linked with a move away from the Roosters when his current deal expires at the end of 2024 as the likes of St George Illawarra circle the Kiwi superstar.
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But during an interview with Nine News on Monday, the former Golden Boot winner revealed he won't be playing for another NRL franchise – instead, he could be switching to the 15-man code next year or in the future.
"I've been here for a long time now and Roosters is pretty much home for me … if I'm playing rugby league, I'm here at the Roosters," Manu said.
"I'm not too sure what I will end up doing, but rugby is a challenge and it's something different, something new. If I go and play rugby, I will be focused on rugby – not really going and coming back sort of thing.
"Obviously [playing for] the All Blacks would be pretty cool. That's a Kiwi's dream.
"It's the option to try and challenge myself. I think for any player, that's where they grow as a player and a person."
Manu burst onto the scene as a teenager with the Roosters, making his first grade debut in 2016, before forming one of the most lethal centre combinations in history with Latrell Mitchell in the club's 2018 and 2019 grand final victories.
He has since gone on to represent New Zealand on 16 occasions and has cemented himself as a titan of the international game.
The elusive Tokoroa product has long expressed his desire to become a permanent fullback – something that isn't likely in the red, white and blue – but his devotion to Trent Robinson and the team has kept him in their colours.
Now in the prime of his career, Roosters officials will have an increasingly tough challenge ahead of them to retain Manu's services.
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