Rugby League

PNG Chiefs plot move to bring rugby convert back to NRL

By George Clarke

Jul 20, 2026

Former Roosters flyer Joey Manu is being courted by the NRL's PNG expansion team. -AAP Image

The PNG Chiefs are continuing to make ripples in the player market, with former Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu the latest top-line talent to emerge as a target for the start-up NRL franchise.

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Just days after kicking off talks with Western Force winger Zac Lomax about a return to the NRL, Chiefs officials were seen travelling to Port Moresby with cross-code convert Manu in tow.

The 17-cap New Zealand international was photographed alongside Chiefs GM of football Michael Chammas and recruitment boss Liam Ayoub at Sydney international airport on Monday.

Manu - a two-time premiership winner with the Roosters - has been out of the NRL since 2024, having opted to pursue a career in rugby union.

The 30-year-old initially spent time in Japan but has since been playing with Top 14 side Racing 92.

Manu's deal with the Parisian club expires in May next year and while he has expressed a goal of playing for the All Blacks, he has little chance of gaining Test selection while he plays in France.

A centre by trade, Manu, like Lomax, would offer PNG flexibility in the outside backs, with the ex-Roosters star having excelled at fullback whenever called upon for club or country.

The Chiefs are hopeful of a resolution on Lomax's future in the coming weeks, having already signed Jarome Luai, Connor Watson, Alex Johnston and English Test forward Matty Lees for their debut season in 2028.