Joey Manu contract news: Which club will the Sydney Roosters star play for in 2025?

Joey Manu’s future remains up in the air with the star centre due to come off contract with the Sydney Roosters at the end of the 2024 season. The Bondi club are desperate to retain him, but they face a tough task to do so with salary cap restraints in full effect.

The New Zealand international has been tipped to either sign an extension, move to St George Illawarra on a lucrative deal or head to Japan for a short stint in rugby union.

The Sporting News looks at the leading contenders for Joey Manu's signature below.

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Where will Joey Manu play in 2025? 

Sydney Roosters

The Roosters remain the most likely landing spot for Manu, with both the club and player seemingly committed to each other.

There have been a few occasions in the past where Manu could have jumped ship to an NRL rival but elected to stay loyal.

The Tricolours have repeatedly stated in the past they aim to make the centre a one-club player, yet those plans may be scuppered with the club currently trying to balance their salary cap.

Manu last inked a contract extension in 2021, and it is believed another multi-year deal could be reached with the two-time premiership winner. 

However, recent reports have indicated that Manu could actually leave the Roosters for a short-term stint in rugby union before later rejoining the NRL powerhouse. 

Japanese rugby union

A move to a Japanese club could allow Manu to receive a $1.5 million pay day in the 15-man code, before returning to the Roosters in May to play out the rest of the 2025 campaign. 

However, doubts surround whether the NRL would actually sanction such a move should it eventuate. 

"Manu has explored options to play rugby overseas - potentially in Japan," journalist Michael Carayannis first reported in The Daily Telegraph. 

"The Roosters are aware of Manu's rugby flirtation and are comfortable that, regardless, Manu will remain at the club long term." 

St George Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons have made no secret of their desire to lure Manu away from Bondi on a long-term deal.

New head coach Shane Flangan declared his interest in the former Golden Boot winner as soon as he took the reins of the Red V in the off-season, while skipper Ben Hunt also talked up his arrival. 

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"I love Joey Manu, he’s been one of my favourite players for many, many years," Flanagan said.

"I’m really, really doubtful he’ll leave the Roosters, but I just wanted his management to know that if he wanted, he could be captain, fullback, do whatever he wants.

"I’m not saying I’ll take the captaincy off Ben, but if I want to get a quality player like Joey, I need to entice him to come down to the club."