Prior to the two of them heading to rugby union in 2025, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is now the one giving lessons to Joseph Manu, who has been teaching him for the past several years on what it takes to succeed in the NRL.
Suaalii’s choice to adopt the 15-man code dominated the news last season, sparking rumors that he may be cut early from his Roosters deal. However, such rumors were soon dashed as the young player had an outstanding start to the new campaign.
Manu has publicly acknowledged that he will be moving to Japan next year, with Toyota Verblitz the front-runners to sign him for a two-year contract. His potential defection has not yet been formally confirmed.
“I’m not quite certain yet. The 2022 Golden Boot winner stated, “We’re in the talks right now, but I’ll be heading over next year and I’ll see how I go from there.”
As long as he gets enough ball, Manu will probably kill it over there. The Kiwi fullback is eager to test himself in a whole new setting.
Because of this, he has increased the frequency of his conversations with Suaalii, who is an expert in rugby and owes Manu some guidance after all the things he taught him at the Tricolours.
“I made the choice on my own. However, since I’ve been making this choice, I’ve spoken with him briefly and can see how he thinks,” Manu added.
I wanted to travel abroad, explore, and experience a little bit of life with my family, therefore I made this decision on my own. Of course, there’s also the difficulty of playing rugby.
“I wasn’t eager to return to New Zealand and resume my playing career just yet. The most important thing was to simply experience life and the fresh challenge of picking up the game again.
“That’s the finest thing that’s happened since I started rugby.
“Now that it’s all happening, I’ve definitely had chats with him and he’s been really good. Obviously, he’s going back for a while there and I think he’ll be great in rugby.”
It was initially reported that Manu was off to French rugby, but with that now off the table, the outside back could return to the NRL as early as 2026 given the Japanese season finishes in May, which would mean he’d only miss the opening few months.
He’s indicated all along that he’d return to the Roosters if he does come back to rugby league, and the club has made no secret that they want him back.
The only question now is if that would also include a reunion with Suaalii, who could very well return to the NRL when his rugby deal expires.
“I’m not sure, I don’t know what happens, I just ride every moment as it comes and just live in the moment,” Manu said.
“But it would be cool to play next to him, hopefully down the line, hopefully at the Roosters. This club’s given me a lot. I’m not too sure how everything will work out but, yeah, hopefully.”
While some outside backs have struggled in their second stint in the NRL after time in rugby, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has shown signs that he’s going to be just as dominant as the man who won the 2018 Dally M.
“He’s always going to have that effect, he’s just that player. I don’t know why people say (he couldn’t succeed again in NRL),” Manu said.
“He’s a special player and you know what he’s going to bring. He’s going to have a big season and it’s good to see him back in the game. I think this is where he shines in the NRL.
“He’s been killing it and I’m looking forward to watching him all season.”
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