Joey Manu Becomes PNG Chiefs ‘007’ Signing as Expansion Club Builds Star-Studded Squad

Photo: Getty Images

The PNG Chiefs have unveiled former Sydney Roosters superstar Joey Manu** as their highly anticipated seventh signing, with the New Zealand international agreeing to return to the NRL for the club's historic inaugural season in 2028.

Manu has signed a two-year deal covering the 2028 and 2029 seasons, becoming the player previously teased by the expansion club as its mystery “Chief 007”.

The signing is another enormous statement from the NRL's newest franchise, which has already assembled an impressive collection of representative stars despite still being more than a year away from its first game.

With Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Brian To'o already committed, the addition of Manu gives the Chiefs one of the most exciting foundations ever assembled by an expansion club.

Manu left the Sydney Roosters following the 2024 season to pursue opportunities in rugby union, playing in Japan before joining French club Racing 92.

However, the 30-year-old will return to rugby league in 2028, bringing an incredible resume with him.

Before leaving the NRL, Manu established himself as one of the competition's most talented and versatile players. He won two premierships with the Roosters, and represented New Zealand internationally.

The Chiefs have not publicly confirmed exactly where Manu will play, but his versatility gives the club plenty of options. He could feature at centre, fullback or potentially elsewhere in the spine, depending on how the remainder of PNG's roster develops.

The most significant point is simple: the Chiefs have secured another genuine superstar.

Here is every senior signing announced by the PNG Chiefs, in the order they were unveiled.

#001 — Jarome Luai

Previous clubs: Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels
Contract: 2028 and 2029, with an option for 2030

#002 — Alex Johnston

Previous club: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Contract: 2028

#003 — Connor Watson

Previous clubs: Newcastle Knights, Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra Dragons
Contract: 2028, 2029.

#004 — Matty Lees

Previous club: St Helens, Sheffield Eagles
Contract: 2028, 2029.

#005 — Zac Lomax

Previous clubs: St George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels, Western Force (rugby union)
Contract: 2028, 2029, and 2030.

#006 — Brian To'o

Previous club: Penrith Panthers
Contract: 2028, 2029, and 2030.

#007 — Joey Manu

Previous clubs: Sydney Roosters, Toyota Verblitz (rugby union), and Racing 92 (rugby union)
Contract: 2028, 2029.