The PNG Chiefs have lured 'world-class' centre Joey Manu back to rugby league as their latest signing to a squad making waves 18 months out from its first NRL game.
Manu's signature was officially announced on Monday.
The 17-time Kiwi international and Māori All Star will join on a two-year from 2028, joining the likes of Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Zac Lomax and Brian To'o in a star backline.
Manu, 30, has spent the last two years in international rugby competitions, beginning in Japan and this year with French outfit Racing 92.
"He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses," Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said.
"His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team and we can't wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey."
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The incoming NRL club had long publicised their 'Chief 007', with speculation surrounding massive competition names being their latest locked-in recruit.
Panthers half Nathan Cleary had been one of them.
Manu played 161 first grade games with the Roosters after his 2016 debut, and earned a Golden Boot as league's best international player for his performances with New Zealand in 2022.
The Aotearoa-raised star had risen into one of the game's best utilities in a near decade stint before his code switch.
PNG's chief executive Lorna McPherson called Manu a "key signing for us and a further demonstration of the ambition we have for this club in making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea. His connection to the Pacific, his character, experience and standing in the game will have a profound impact on our club".
"He understands the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than himself, and we believe he can have a genuine impact on our young players and the next generation of Papua New Guineans - who we are proud to represent as a club," McPherson said.
The list of A-Grade regarded talent making the move north to Port Moresby continues to make waves in league discussion, even with Perth Bears' entrance in just over six months time.
The Bears' confirmed roster includes a number of emerging players, and established top-level names.
Indigenous players Josh Curren and Gehamit Shibasaki on Perth's roster.
