Earlier this year, legendary All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen predicted Manu would achieve “similar success” in rugby union as Sonny Bill Williams. Manu, who broke the all-time NRL record for the most running metres in a match with 373 meters earlier this season, is expected to bring his dynamic playstyle to Toyota Verblitz’s already impressive roster.
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Rugby World Cup winners Aaron Smith and Pieter-Steph du Toit are among the stars at Verblitz, and with former All Blacks coaches Ian Foster and Sir Steve Hansen joining the club for the 2025/26 season, Manu is stepping into a high-caliber environment.
Despite rumors of a potential move to French rugby, Manu’s decision to join Japan Rugby League One appears strategic. While he maintains that a desire to eventually play for the All Blacks isn’t his primary motive, he remains open to future possibilities.
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“I don’t think I’ll stay there. I just want to go over there and learn, learn the game again because I haven’t played ever since I’ve been in rugby league, ever since I came here so it’s been over 10 years since I’ve played rugby union,” Manu shared on Sporting News’ Ebbs and Flows podcast.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of union players like Quade (Cooper) and that, Sonny (Bill Williams), just really trying to see how I can improve (my game) because I’ve got to improve it pretty quickly. I’m not really young. Just trying to learn the game. I’m not too sure where I’ll end up after that but that’s just the first step for me.”
Manu, who hasn’t played rugby union since his high school days, reminisced about his early years when he “wasn’t allowed to play league” as games conflicted with Sunday church. His journey in rugby league began in high school, leading to a successful career with the Sydney Roosters and representing Australia in the U19s nines tournament at the 2019 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Manu’s accolades include an NRL Nines title with the Roosters in 2017, back-to-back NRL premierships in 2018 and 2019, and World Club Challenge glory in 2020. The Kiwi also earned the international rugby league’s golden boot award, showcasing his exceptional talent.
The switch to rugby union is a new challenge that excites Manu. “Just the challenge, something new,” he explained. “I feel like I’ve been at the Roosters for a while now and I (can’t really do much more). For myself, I just enjoy being challenged – I’m not saying that I haven’t been challenged here, it’s tough being a Rooster – but I think the challenge of something new, something different excites me. A new country, bit of traveling with the family and just enjoying life too, and then trying to achieve something different.”
As Manu prepares for his transition to rugby union, fans from both codes eagerly await to see how the 28-year-old will fare in his new endeavor.
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