Manu to Return

[HunchoRooster]

The Mole (grain of salt I know) reporting Manu is odds on to return to us before mid year cut off. His time over there hasn't been fruitful, I've watched a couple of games and he doesn't get any ball and looks to be completely unsuited to his position in Rugby.

What are our thoughts on this? I feel like a lot of people saw this coming if it eventuates. I'll be honest, he is one of my favorite ever Roosters but he was rank average by his standards the last 12-18 months. Looked completely checked out last year. What does this mean for our backline aswell? Someone like a Toia or Smith will miss out.

[JAF]

I hope this is true - having Manu back will greatly increase our chances to make the top 8 again and add more depth to our squad, as he has the X-factor on his day

[ChookMaster]

It’s the mole.

No more needs to be said here.

[Headless Chook]

The Mole (grain of salt I know) reporting Manu is odds on to return to us before mid year cut off. His time over there hasn't been fruitful, I've watched a couple of games and he doesn't get any ball and looks to be completely unsuited to his position in Rugby.

What are our thoughts on this? I feel like a lot of people saw this coming if it eventuates. I'll be honest, he is one of my favorite ever Roosters but he was rank average by his standards the last 12-18 months. Looked completely checked out last year. What does this mean for our backline aswell? Someone like a Toia or Smith will miss out.

He's a world class player, it can't be anything but good news. Yeah he went through a quiet stratch last year but maybe now he realises the grass isn't always greener on the other side

[Bates]

I seriously think that there was something bothering Manu last season hence why he looked so disinterested. MAY be the problem has been moved on . Uncle Nick has also warned the others.

Agree that Manu is world class! He can be the difference between winning and losing a big game.

[Inflictor]

It is a toss up whether he comes back. Moley chose tails. He knows as much as what he reads on forums like this. Only Joey's inner sanctum would know.

I doubt Joey is worried about how much ball he is getting or how well he is playing. I think it is more about how much Yen he is getting.
Based on the last couple of years seasons with us I would prefer to give Toia, Group 1 Marky and Smithy a shot. Him coming back into the team is not going to suddenly make us a premiership threat.
He will ask for good coin I suspect and how many good years if any has he got left. And at the risk of losing potential good young players.
Happy to move onto the next gen.

[HunchoRooster]

I seriously think that there was something bothering Manu last season hence why he looked so disinterested. MAY be the problem has been moved on . Uncle Nick has also warned the others.

Agree that Manu is world class! He can be the difference between winning and losing a big game.

I personally think he was disinterested because he didn't want to jeopardise the huge payday he was fixing to make in the land of the rising sun in case he got injured playing for us. He is getting paid silly money to play around 10 games.

May and him seemed to be quite close so im not sure if that was the issue, besides it would've been a huge call to get rid of May due to an issue he had with a bloke that was not even contracted to us by then (and still isnt).

[King Salvo]

Depends if he has the yen to continue playing rugby or not

[The Bondi spy]

He is a world class grabber in defence and he always has been.

[Roosterfarian]

Moley can suck on a busted nut. Low life so called journo. Up there with Buzz and Kent.

On a side note - a big yes to Manu returning!

[Rooster90]

Hypothetically if Toia and Mark N are killing it at centre during the year...or even Billy, who makes way?

[Crab]

Hypothetically if Toia and Mark N are killing it at centre during the year...or even Billy, who makes way?

That would be a good problem to have ! He's cover for Teddy at Origin or , God forbid, injury. I think we've learnt the consequences of a dearth of centres . Hutchinator anyone ?

[Steggles]

It is a toss up whether he comes back. Moley chose tails. He knows as much as what he reads on forums like this. Only Joey's inner sanctum would know.

I doubt Joey is worried about how much ball he is getting or how well he is playing. I think it is more about how much Yen he is getting.
Based on the last couple of years seasons with us I would prefer to give Toia, Group 1 Marky and Smithy a shot. Him coming back into the team is not going to suddenly make us a premiership threat.
He will ask for good coin I suspect and how many good years if any has he got left. And at the risk of losing potential good young players.
Happy to move onto the next gen.

We’ve had Manu’s best. I agree that we should move on to the next generation. Invest the money that Manu would command in key positions.

[Steggles]

That would be a good problem to have ! He's cover for Teddy at Origin or , God forbid, injury. I think we've learnt the consequences of a dearth of centres . Hutchinator anyone ?

Teddy won’t be playing Origin.

[Bates]

I personally think he was disinterested because he didn't want to jeopardise the huge payday he was fixing to make in the land of the rising sun in case he got injured playing for us. He is getting paid silly money to play around 10 games.

May and him seemed to be quite close so im not sure if that was the issue, besides it would've been a huge call to get rid of May due to an issue he had with a bloke that was not even contracted to us by then (and still isnt).

Players get injured at training and during the game day warm up. You increase the risk of injury by playing soft as your timing, technique and physicality is compromised so I disagree that Manu was playing it safe for his RU gig.

The Rugby thing for Manu isn't about money. If it were then you'd think he'd milk it for as long as possible. It's a challenge, a change of scenery and an opportunity to experience a new way of life!

If there were issues with May then he was moved on for the betterment of the club and not just J Manu.