Joseph Manu has lifted the lid on a potential code-switch to rugby union and admits he is open to leaving the Sydney Roosters.
Off-contract at the end of the season, the former Golden Boot winner is currently the hottest free agent in the NRL and has yet to lock down his future post-2024.
This comes after the 27-year-old outside back confirmed he is still weighing up his options for next year.
The Roosters superstar and New Zealand international has spoken for the first time after reports emerged that he was considering a move to the 15-man code at the expiry of his contract on a nearly $1.5 million contract in Japan.
The potential Manu coup for rugby union would see the code land the latest blow after the Roosters secured the services of Wallabies flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase from 2025 on a two-year deal.
Rugby union has looked to snare some of the NRL’s top talent in recent seasons and were successful in their pursuit of young Roosters star Joseph Suaalii, who will leave for Rugby Australia at the time Manu’s current deal expires at the end of next season.
“It’s an option, I think rugby is a challenge,” Manu told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“If I go to play rugby, I’m focused on rugby, not on coming back.
“You could probably go there and come back, but the focus isn’t really going there to just play for a few months and come back. It’s not really that.
“I grew up playing rugby but it’s really just a case of looking at all options and that was one that was tossed up.
“I’ve been at the Roosters for 10 years now. It’s been a long time and I love the place. That makes it very hard to leave but we’ll see what happens.”
