Joey Manu’s Japanese adventure is proving to be a nightmare and the star centre seems certain to return to the NRL on a full-time basis midway through this year.
Manu’s team Toyota Verblitz has just one win in its first seven games and he is seeing little of the ball with any space or time.
The former Roosters superstar has told mates back home that he is also having troubles adapting to the lifestyle, food and language.
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The Roosters are poised to leave a roster spot open in case Manu does decide to return home to the 13-man code.
The Mole Joseph Manu Getty
The rugby competition ends in May and Manu is only under contract for the current season, although he does have an option for 2026 in his favour.
The NRL deadline for teams to finalise their top 30 list is on June 30, giving Manu plenty of time after his Japanese ‘holiday’ to come back to league.
JETS UNVEIL SECOND-GEN STAR
The son of former NRL star Craig Field made his Sydney debut last weekend – and looked right at home.
Jack Field, a halfback like his famous dad, played for the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup trial against Penrith.
At 21, Field still has plenty to learn but Cronulla officials are keeping their eye on him, given that Newtown are their feeder club.
“He’s a good kid – I’m just letting him make his own way,” proud dad Craig Field told Wide World of Sports.
SHARKS DILEMMA REACHES TIPPING POINT
Several NRL clubs are keen on Sharks’ back-up hooker Jayden Berrell, who looked the goods in last weekend’s trial against the Warriors.
The experienced rake from Runaway Bay finally made his NRL debut at the age of 28 last season, playing three top grade games.
But with the consistent Blayke Brailey ahead of him at the Sharks, Berrell needs to find a new home for 2026 and is off contract with plenty of interest around the NRL.
Jayden Berrell is in the sights of rival clubs. Getty
WHY THE DOLPHINS BRUSHED SIN CITY
The four teams are about to fly out to Vegas for the big season kickoff, but the Dolphins have revealed they could have been one of them.
“We were offered the opportunity to go this year but just didn’t think the time was right,” Dolphins boss Bob Jones told Wide World of Sports.
“It’s not the ideal time for us with a change of coach – Kristian Woolf has got enough on his plate at the moment.
“But if we get invited again next year, we might revisit it – it seems a great concept.”