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Writer's pictureMark Pickering

Joseph Manu: Leaving NRL and moving to Japan is feeling a bit real now

NRL star Joseph Manu has said that his departure from rugby league to switch codes and play in Japan's League One is starting to feel real.

The two-time Premiership winner with the Sydney Roosters spoke to the media about his upcoming exit from the NRL.

Manu, 27, who is set to feature for the Roosters against defending champions Penrith Panthers in the NRL post-season on Friday, said his lucrative move to Toyota Verblitz is now starting to sink in.

“It’s becoming a bit real now that it’s coming to an end,” said the Roosters centurion who made his NRL debut in 2016.

The New Zealand Kiwis representative and Māori All Star is widely regarded as one of the most gifted outside backs in the NRL and his attacking flair as well as his versatility his made him a fan favourite and key figure in Sydney.

“I’m trying to still enjoy the moments,” he said.

“For some of us it’s the last time trying to achieve what we want to achieve and we're focused on that goal.”

Manu’s newest teammate is former Wallabies starlet Mark Nawaqanitawase who has made the opposite cross-code switch from union to league.

Asked if he’s quizzed Nawaqanitawase about his imminent move to the 15-a-side game, Manu said that’s not something they’ve discussed yet.

“I’ve spoken to Mark about his Olympics experience and it was cool to hear some of those stories.

“I’m focused on what we’re doing here and in the off-season I’ll pick up what I need to there.”

When asked about any plans for a return to the NRL down the road, the Hamilton-born centre, who has 10 tries in 20 appearances this season, said he’s not thinking about anything beyond his one-year deal in Japan.

“After this season, I want to focus on union and give it my best crack and see how I go and see if I like it.

“Hopefully somewhere I’ll be around the club (Roosters), I love this place.

“I haven’t learnt any Japanese yet but I can eat a lot of sushi. That’s going to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture.” Toyota are currently in pre-season training with the likes of All Blacks great Aaron Smith and Japan star Kazuki Himeno back on duty while double World Cup winner Pieter-Steph du Toit is away with the Springboks in the Rugby Championship. Manu will be expected to take some downtime following the conclusion of the NRL season before moving to Japan and linking up with his new teammates. Toyota, who finished a disappointing seventh last season, open their season on Sunday December 22 against inaugural League One champions Kubota Spears at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo.

Manu’s signature was announced in April alongside Toyota’s deal to bring in former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.

Toyota has since announced that 2015 World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who has been the club’s Director of Rugby since 2019, will lead the team as head coach in addition to retaining his Director role while Foster will serve as the co-coach.

Hansen said: “At Toyota Verblitz we are all looking forward to the new season with a great deal of excitement.  “The season will see us welcome in some wonderful new players as well as the return of most of our top players from last year.

“We also welcome the former All Black coach Ian Foster into our coaching group which will only strengthen this area of the club.

“Our goals for the season are to work hard each week. Try to be better everyday. Enjoy our time together as a team. Play some rugby that we, our families, our company and our fans can be proud.”   “The competition is becoming stronger and stronger every year that goes by which makes it harder and harder to win which we all want to do. We wish every team the best of luck for the season and look forward to competing strongly on the pitch and enjoying time together of it afterwards.” 

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