Joey Manu stays on till 2024

[BigCok007]

The question is whether you can get a similar attacking output from him as you would say a 750k fullback.

Using last years numbers as an example and who you could probably get for that kind of money right now;

- Ryan Papenhuyzen 15 games - 14 tries - 5 try assists - 8 try contributions (23 total try involvements)
- Valentine Holmes 20 games - 4 tries - 12 try assists - 2 try contributions (18 total try involvements)
- AJ Brimson 18 games - 7 tries - 9 try assists - 1 try contribution (17 total try involvements)
- Will Kennedy 24 games - 14 tries - 16 try assists - 4 try contributions (34 total try involvements)
- Nico Hynes 24 games - 7 tries - 24 try assists - 7 try contributions (39 total try involvements)

Compared to Joey Manu;

Joey Manu 23 games - 10 tries - 5 try assists - 8 try contributions (23 total try involvements)


Compared to all other outside backs who also played fullback last year Joey Many ranked 10th for total try involvements;

1. Tom Trbojevic - 62
2. James Tedesco - 42
3. Nico Hynes - 39
4. Clint Gutherson - 38
5. Will Kennedy - 34
6. Latrell Mitchell - 29
7. Rebuen Garrick - 28
8. Kalyn Ponga - 25
9. Matt Dufty - 24
10. Joey Manu - 23
10. Ryan Papenhuyzen - 23
12. Reece Walsh - 23
13. Stephen Crichton - 19
14. Valentine Holmes - 18
15. Tesi Niu - 18


I think given the way the game is currently being officiated and ruled upon there's a lot of potential for Manu to improve on those numbers. I think last year was the biggest leap in terms of development we have seen from Manu since 2018. If rumours are true and he's on 750-800k and contributing 25+ try involvements a season then we are getting a good return on our money in my opinion. There's not many clubs that will be able to convince a player of that kind of quality and proven output to play in a position outside of the spine so I see it as a huge advantage rather than a disadvantage.

Really great analysis, cheers for bringing this together!

I think Manu can also contribute to compressing the defensive line on a run, break or half break that the team scores next 1-2 plays later. Which I suspect isn’t counted in try contribution? So completely agree worth the spend!!

[King Salvo]

Yep. He just played a full season of NRL on a Bears style contract.

FWIW I think 3 players can get the 'minimum wage' of ~$70k. Somebody tried blasting me earlier for saying your average NRL player doesn't earn THAT much money. It's true though IMO... Denan Kemp played your average number of NRL games (43 over 4 years). I'd say that the 'average' players gets ~$250k or less over 4-5 years. Even if you were able to save the entire amount (with no tax), you'd struggle to buy a house in Sydney on that... let alone in the eastern suburbs (where heaps of complete randoms would earn upwards of $250k a year over a 30-40 year career, with zero public profile, zero physical pain from having to tackle Taumalolo & zero chance of life threatening injuries on a daily basis). You're hardly set for life just because you've played NRL (whereas there's 3rd division Euro soccer players and stuff you've never heard of who'd be on millions). IMO to set yourself up post-NRL, you want at least a few years earning $300-500k if possible. That or you'll be looking for a ~15 year career with time in England and stuff. Iku HAD to take the money and it's well deserved!!! All for it + him playing regular 1st grade.

Ikuvalu was on a NRL Contract being a member of the up to 30 player squad and one would say on above minimal wage -From the Link below The top 30 minimum wage of $77,500 (2021) and $80,000 (2022) will be maintained, as will the mandatory Development List salary of $60,000. - Roster spots 27 to 30 are usually the Min wage earners - still 80k is nothing to sneeze at as a lot of folk don't earn that much

https://www.rlpa.com.au/minimum-wage...cba-revisions/

[ism22]

Just saw Manu wearing a Raiders jersey. He looked shorter, heavier and had a stupid haircut. Actually, mighta been Papalii.

[gragra]

Seems strange Joey's supposed agreeing to stay beyond 2022 as stated by Buzz hasn't been officially announced. Joey said on twitter TV not true, so staying is still up in the air. Anyone know anything more?

[Thirteen]

Seems strange Joey's supposed agreeing to stay beyond 2022 as stated by Buzz hasn't been officially announced. Joey said on twitter TV not true, so staying is still up in the air. Anyone know anything more?

They don’t do these things quickly just to please us fans. Unfortunately.

[ism22]

They don’t do these things quickly just to please us fans. Unfortunately.

How inconsiderate of them

[Spirit of 66]

I don't there has been any announcement about Angus' contract extension either. Be reassured - nobody is now talking about either player leaving the Roosters at the end of 2022. Nobody.

[Thirteen]

He would have offers over 800k, can’t see how we can pay a centre that much.
Can anyone think of another centre in the game on that much coin?
I don’t like it.

Yes Latrell Mitchell.

[ChookMaster]

Yes Latrell Mitchell.

Although he isn’t a Centre…

[Rooster90]

Although he isn’t a Centre…

But he should be...

[ChookMaster]

But he should be...

Why? Because he played there for us? He’s proved himself over the last 2 seasons to be a top notch FB and for his club and team.

[Thirteen]

Although he isn’t a Centre…

Robbo seemed to think he was.

[ChookMaster]

Robbo seemed to think he was.

Yes because teddy is the best. LM was a FB coming through the ranks and never played in the centres until we developed him into a great one there. Anywho let’s not get caught up in this, the guy isn’t worth a mention on here.

[Thirteen]

Yes because teddy is the best. LM was a FB coming through the ranks and never played in the centres until we developed him into a great one there. Anywho let’s not get caught up in this, the guy isn’t worth a mention on here.

Agree.