The St George Illawarra Dragons are set to make a significant financial offer to secure the services of Joseph Manu, a Sydney Roosters star who is currently without a contract.
Despite the Roosters’ previous confidence in re-signing Manu, they failed to do so before November 1, opening the door for other teams to make offers. According to reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, the Dragons are prepared to offer Manu nearly $5 million over a four-year contract, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
One advantage the Dragons have is the opportunity to position Manu as a fullback, a role he might not have at the Roosters until he reaches the age of 30, assuming James Tedesco retires as rumored. Manu briefly played at five-eighth for the Roosters last year, but with Sam Walker and Luke Keary excelling in that position towards the end of the season, it appears unlikely he will resume that role in 2024.
The incoming Dragons coach, Shane Flanagan, expressed his belief that Manu would be a valuable asset to the team as a fullback. However, Flanagan also acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with Manu and what he wants to do, given his loyalty to the Roosters and the club’s chairman, Nick Politis.
Manu, who previously re-signed with the Roosters amid interest from other NRL clubs and rugby union, is now considering a move, possibly in pursuit of a starting fullback position. The Dragons do have Tyrell Sloan, but his contract only extends to the end of 2024, and there are uncertainties about his readiness for first-grade competition.
It is rumored that other clubs, notably the Wests Tigers, will also make substantial offers for Manu, while the Dragons, with a significant budget, may also target Tom Dearden, a five-eighth from the North Queensland Cowboys.
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