Joey Manu Shares His World Cup Aspirations and Addresses Roosters Speculation

Joey Manu, the cross-code convert, has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing his dream of representing the All Blacks, while dispelling speculations about a possible return to the Sydney Roosters.

Even prior to his departure for Japanese rugby, Manu was already associated with the Tricolours, and since the start of his union career, the rumours have intensified.

In a comprehensive interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Manu has addressed these rumours head-on, echoing sentiments shared by his former coach, Trent Robinson, last week.

“I’m committed to rugby,” Manu stated.

“As I’ve mentioned before, my goal is to play for the All Blacks. It’s a dream of mine, and participating in the World Cup would be incredible. However, my focus is on rugby this year and next, and I want to see how things unfold as time goes on.

“I’m having a great time. If I weren’t enjoying it, I might have returned to rugby league by now. But at this moment, I’m relishing my time in union.

“From a young age, I’ve aspired to play for the All Blacks; it’s been a dream of mine since childhood growing up in New Zealand.

“Nonetheless, I recognise that I still have a long way to go. I’m well aware of my current standing, and I trust that things will fall into place as I continue to improve.”

To turn his All Blacks aspiration into reality, Manu will need to return to New Zealand and compete in Super Rugby.

Following his time in Japan, it’s anticipated that Manu will play in France, but there are speculations that he could end up in a Chiefs jersey.

“Ultimately, I need to play in New Zealand,” he noted.

“As I mentioned earlier, if I feel good and believe I’ve progressed my game, which I earnestly hope to do, then I would need to head back home and play.”

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That said, Manu hasn’t entirely dismissed the possibility of returning to rugby league in the future.

“We’ll see; I’m not getting any younger,” he remarked.

“I have several aspirations in rugby union that I wish to pursue, and like I said, I don’t have a solid plan. I’m keeping my options open, but right now, I’m fully focused on rugby.

“For the time being, I’ll be a fan.”