A fresh report has revealed Joey Manu is eyeing a return to Australia or New Zealand, which could open the door for a potential NRL comeback.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald , the former Roosters player is "considering asking for a release" from his contract with Top 14 club Racing 92.
Manu, who currently plies his trade for Japanese side Toyota Verblitz, had only recently signed a one-year contract with the French team.
He is set to join them for pre-season training in July.
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Nevertheless, he might look for an early exit from his agreement because of "personal circumstances," potentially leading him back to Sydney or possibly relocating to New Zealand.
It remains unclear whether Racing 92 would sever their connection for compassionate reasons, however.
These places might arrange either a get-together with the Roosters or a shift to the Warriors.
Since Manu left last year, The Tricolours have faced difficulties, whereas the Warriors—who've had a promising beginning to 2025—might benefit from strengthening their roster at the positions of outside backs.
Of course, both options are still theoretical, as the 28-year-old has not yet officially asked for his release.
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The SMH report comes just three weeks after Manu publicly committed to rugby union .
"I'm sticking in rugby," he said
"Like I have said, I hope to play for the All Blacks. That's a dream, and the World Cup would be nice.
"But all I can say is I'll be in rugby for this year and next year, and I just want to see how each year goes."
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Roosters coach Trent Robinson also responded to reports of a potential Manu return.
"No, I didn't know about it," he said on Thursday.
When I initially learned about it, I became curious to discover why Joey is the way he is and uncover the reasons behind it.
However, regarding rugby league, we have received nothing on our terms so far. I was completely unaware of it.
This place has always been his home. However, I'm certain he must have some arrangement should he be granted an exit.
He will have a clear idea of his plans and they won’t involve us for now.
Of course, you'd want to see him playing for the Roosters if he comes back to the NRL. However, that decision isn't ours to make. Joey has the freedom to choose what’s best for him. He doesn’t have any debts to pay us.
I'm curious if it's actually true since I'm not sure whether it is.
I'm curious to find out why Joey isn’t keen on going to France until he lets me know. What’s not to like about visiting France?