NRL star Joey Manu set to join Hansen’s Toyota in Japan

NRL star Joey Manu is poised to finally switch codes and leave the Sydney Roosters for Steve Hansen’s League One outfit Toyota Verblitz. 

The Hamilton, New Zealand-born centre, 27, has long been mooted for a big-money switch from rugby league to the 15-a-side game and was heavily linked with a move to France this summer. 

Australia’s The Roar reported that the highly sought-after utility back has shunned overtures from French rugby to work with former All Blacks World Cup-winning coach Steve Hansen who is understood to be a long-time suitor of his.  

Big-spending Toyota Verblitz, who currently have Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett and Pieter-Steph du Toit on their books, are perennial underachievers in Japan’s top-flight. 

Hansen has been the club’s Director of Rugby since 2019 while the head coach role is currently occupied by his countryman Ben Herring.

Manu has reportedly inked a one-year deal with the Aichi-based side who are currently sixth and have work to do to grace the end-of-season four-team play-offs. 

The league standout illustrated his ability for the world to see during the NRL’s opening weekend in Las Vegas as he inspired the Roosters to a win over Brisbane Broncos.

While neither the club nor the player has made any announcement RugbyJP.com has seen that Manu is now following Toyota Verblitz on Instagram which all but confirms the high-profile signing. 

Toyota host second-placed Suntory Sungoliath on Saturday at Toyota Stadium as Barrett comes up against his old club in a game which the hosts need to win to keep alive their play-off hopes. 

Pictures courtesy of the Sydney Roosters