One of NRL’s biggest names and arguably the league’s most naturally talented outside back, Joseph Manu of the Sydney Roosters is switching codes to rugby union in 2025. Huge loss for rugby league, however an immense addition to world rugby. Let’s tackle this story on today's 'Toshi’s Take.'
Joseph Manu playing for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL
The 27-year-old New Zealand International has achieved it all in the NRL, playing over 150 NRL games including two premiership titles, as well as being a Dally M centre of the year and Golden Boot award winner. His natural ability as a player and his daring attack makes Manu one of the most dangerous ball runners in the competition and the offers that have been put on the table for his signature backs these statements up.
Manu spoke to 9 News, “I’m not too sure what I will end up doing, but rugby [union] is a challenge and it’s something different, something new. If I go and play rugby [union], I will be focused on rugby, not really going and coming back sort of thing. It’s the option to try and challenge myself. I think for any player, that’s where they grow as a player and a person.”
It is the challenge of switching codes and mixing it with the very best around the world that draws the hottest player on the NRL open market into rugby. Not to mention, the new life experiences he’d gain and of course the healthy sum he’d take home from taking this step in his career.
“Obviously the All Blacks would be pretty cool” he also added, chasing the “Kiwi dream.”
The likes of Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams are prime examples of rugby league players that have made huge success crossing codes to rugby union. Manu has achieved it all in rugby league and currently in his athletic prime, 2025 is the perfect time for Manu to take this opportunity and write his name into cross-code history.
Toshi’s Take
Manu is considering lucrative offers from the Top 14, the top division of the French professional system and Japan Rugby League One, the top division in the Japanese professional system. Weighing up both opportunities, based on the level of competition and the experience Manu will gain, a plane ticket heading to Europe is the best choice for him.
To put it clear, Top 14 is considered the best and most competitive league in the world and is exactly the challenge that Joseph Manu is in need of. Involving a promotion and relegation system, every game is must-win for every team and produces word-class gameplay that attracts the best players all over the world.
Besides rugby, the healthy sum of money and European experience that Manu will take on as part of this opportunity is something he cannot resist. Receiving more money than if he was to stay in the NRL, being able to live lavish in the beautiful continent of Europe and country of France, while playing in front of packed out stadiums all over Europe. Even from a life-experience point-of-view, the reasons for why Manu should take the opportunity to play in France extends further that just the level of rugby and the challenge that awaits him in Top 14.
The cross-code switch and rugby union stardom is awaiting Joseph Manu. His natural flair and raw athleticism will not only allow him to settle into the new game effortlessly, but also cause serious havoc to the best European teams in the world. Joseph Manu’s move will only positively impact rugby union, opening avenues for more rugby league talent to look towards rugby union and ultimately creating hype around our great sport that is crucial for its growing future.
Toshi Butlin
Comments