Joey Manu has revealed how a conversation with Papua New Guinea's prime minister helped convince him to return to the NRL and join the Chiefs in 2028.
Manu was unveiled as the Chiefs' seventh signing on Monday, becoming arguably their biggest name to date ahead of entry to the NRL in 18 months from now.
The two-time premiership winner will be 31 by the time the two-year deal starts, and will arrive with the ability to play fullback, centre or even five-eighth in the club's first year.
Manu toured PNG last month and met with Prime Minister James Marape while there, before signing the deal from France on Sunday.
"Talking to the Prime Minister and how passionate he was about making it not just a PNG team, but a Pacific team and trying to get the Pacific nations behind this team, I think it's going to be special," Manu said.
"I'm a really proud Cook Island and Māori man, and I know my family's real proud back in Tokoroa in New Zealand and also in the Cook Islands too.
"It's a big decision to make, but bringing that positive impact to PNG but also young Pacific Island kids (is big).
"There's so much talent in the Pacific Islands, and rugby league is taking over the islands, so it's really cool to have a Pacific team."
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Manu's signing means he follows the likes of Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Brian To'o, Zac Lomax and English Test prop Matty Lees as Chiefs signings.
The PNG outfit will officially be able to hit the open market in November, with all eyes on whether Nathan Cleary or Sam Walker will still be available at that point.
Canberra second-rower Hudson Young also shapes as a potential target, given he is yet to agree to terms for an extension at the Raiders.
"Just joining the Chiefs is pretty special in the first year," Manu said.
"With how it can affect the country, that's why I wanted to go there.
"It's got a lot of positives about how passionate the country is, and what we can do for the country and how we can make a positive impact on people's lives."
Manu left the Sydney Roosters for rugby union at the end of 2024, initially to Japan's Toyota Verblitz before moving to Racing 92 in France.
His current deal expires next May, meaning it is possible he could sign for an NRL club for the second half of next season before joining PNG.
"I still keep a close eye on a few games and I get to watch a few games when I can," Manu said.
"You miss certain things when you're watching. I'm just grateful that I get to come back and play.
"I really enjoy playing rugby league, so I'm excited.
"Rugby league is a special game for myself, and to come back and play in the NRL is very special."
Australian Associated Press
