Legendary All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen has hinted that Joseph Manu will have “similar success” to dual international Sonny Bill Williams in rugby union after it was revealed the NRL star will switch codes.
NRL powerhouse Sydney Roosters announced on Tuesday that Manu, who played 164 games for the Tricolours, will exit rugby after signing with Toyota Verblitz for the 2024/25 Japan Rugby League One season.
Manu who set a new record for the largest number of metres [373] In an NRL match on Thursday, he was strongly linked with a move to French rugby some 70 days ago amid uncertainty over the New Zealander's playing future.
But instead, the New Zealand full-back will join a star-studded squad at the Japanese club that includes Rugby World Cup winners Aaron Smith and Pieter-Steph du Toit. It was reported that former All Blacks coach Ian Foster would take over as coach of the team.
Two-time World Cup winner Sir Steve Hansen is also the Japanese club's director of rugby. Hansen, 64, “couldn't say yes fast enough” when he first heard about Manu's interest in code jumping.
“It's no different than what we did with Sonny. Joey and Sonny are excellent athletes, and there's no reason why he can't have similar success,” Hansen said. Sydney Morning Herald.
“The best thing about Joey is he's doing it for the right reasons. He wants to come to us and learn how to play the game.
“He's very talented, there's no two ways about it. He seems to make the right decisions at the right time. He has a very good work ethic, and in all my dealings with him so far, he also has a good character.”
“We want him to achieve his goals, and along the way, he will help us achieve ours.”
Manu, who has been recognized as Rugby League's international player of the year in 2022, joins Roosters teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the move to the 15-a-side game.
Suaalii signed a lucrative contract with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs almost a year ago, but the towering outside back will officially move on at the end of the NRL season.
It's a bold move for both men. Many athletes have tried to switch codes, but only a few have been considered “greats” in both sports.
And Sonny Bill Williams, who Hansen compared Manu to, is certainly one of them. The New Zealander has won the premiership of the National Football League and the Rugby World Cup, and is also a successful heavyweight boxer.
Later this year, Manu will begin his own journey.
“I like the fact that he wants to come here out of the limelight a little bit,” Hansen said.
“He can work on the things he needs to work on and he can develop himself and his game without the constant scrutiny of being there. [the] New Zealand or Australian market.
“He has already played as a full-back in the National Football League, has the speed and talent to play on the wing, and can also play in the middle. He will tell us by his performance in training.”
