Two-time premiership winner Manu joins star-studded PNG Chiefs

 Two-time premiership winner Manu joins star-studded PNG Chiefs/NRL.COM Photo

Rugby league fans finally have their answer. The PNG Chiefs confirmed on Monday that Joey Manu is their long-awaited seventh recruit, closing the book on weeks of speculation over who would wear the club's teased "007" jersey.

Manu, who has lifted the NRL premiership trophy twice during his career, has committed to a two-year contract that will see him line up for the Chiefs when the club debuts in the competition in 2028. Many had tipped Nathan Cleary for the honour, but it is the Kiwi back who has secured the spot instead.

The versatile utility has been out of the NRL since 2024, spending the last two seasons in Japanese rugby as he continues to pursue a long-held dream of playing for the All Blacks, a jersey he is yet to earn. Prior to the Chiefs deal, most observers had tipped a return to his old club, the Sydney Roosters, should he come back to Australia.

His arrival adds serious firepower to a backline that already includes Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax, Brian To'o and England's Matty Lees, positioning the Chiefs as one of the most talked-about squads heading into their maiden season.

Club general manager Michael Chammas hailed the signing as a statement of intent, noting Manu's versatility and big-game pedigree. The Chiefs will be free to chase further recruits from November 1, when the transfer market opens fully, with Cleary still tipped as a potential future free agent target.

"We're thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward," Chammas said. "He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses. His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team and we can't wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey."