Roosters coach Trent Robinson says “it’s pretty clear” that star centre Joseph Manu gained’t be on the membership subsequent 12 months, however he’s assured the previous Golden Boot winner will return following a probable transfer to French rugby in 2025.
Manu has indicated to membership officers that he’ll greater than probably take up a profitable supply to move abroad on a deal price much more than the Roosters are in a position to pay.
The 27-year-old is off contract on the finish of the season and desires to problem himself after successful back-to-back titles with the Tricolours and creating into one of the vital gifted exterior backs on the planet.
Losing Manu is a bitter blow for the Roosters with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii additionally set to hitch the 15-man code subsequent 12 months, however Robinson hasn’t given up hope of luring the 2022 Golden Boot winner again house every time he’s prepared.
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“As far as I know, I think that’s pretty clear. But the deal hasn’t been done yet,” Robinson replied when requested if Manu was leaving.
“The deal is not done. But it’s not about talking (him) out of it. I don’t need to convince him of anything. It’s his decision. He knows there’s an opportunity here for next year, but I’m giving some freedom to him to make that choice.”
The Roosters see Manu as James Tedesco’s long-term substitute at fullback, and that’s nonetheless potential if the Kiwis star solely indicators a brief cope with French rugby.
It’s why Robinson is assured Manu will play for the Roosters sooner or later if he finally ends up leaving on the finish of the 12 months.
“He has been here since he was a kid. He wants to go and experience another country. He grew up playing union so he wants to do that,” the coach mentioned.
“But I just know he’s a Rooster at the same time. Now that may not end up being that way. But I feel like it will.
“I don’t think it’ll be his last year (with us). I think he’ll always be a Rooster and he will come back at some point when he’s done.
“But he’s spoken of his desire and he’s been really open with me about what he’s thought since last year. I’ll always support him and others. We’re just waiting on what his decision will be.”
Manu’s future plans are one thing Robinson must fear about down the observe, with the three-time premiership-winning coach extra anxious about match six stars into his again 5.
Manu, Tedesco, Dom Young and Daniel Tupou are assured of spots, with Suaalii and Billy Smith combating it out for the left centre place.
Robinson has lots to weigh up, however he says future rugby contracts gained’t depend towards Manu and Suaalii relating to choosing a workforce.
“You can imagine my answer to that,” he mentioned following the win over Manly in Gosford.
“They’re here now and I respect them. I think a lot was made of that last year. That’s not who I am or what I’m going to do.”
Robinson confirmed after the sport that he would probably rotate his star exterior backs, with Tupou scoring twice within the pre-season win, with Smith and Suaalii each establishing four-pointers.
“It’s a good (headache) to have,” he mentioned.
“We made the choice to go with six top end international guys, and they’ve been really good at training.
“Some guys will play some weeks and some won’t, but there’s a belief in all of them that it’s not one over the other. That’s on me.
“I’ve been really open about putting the guys in different positions because you can’t fix on five because six of them are so good.
“Eventually you have to pick a team for each week, but there won’t be someone missing out for long.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
