NRL: Roosters exploring options to replace Manu after code switch
The Sydney Roosters are reportedly interested in recruiting Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai to replace Joseph Manu for the 2025 NRL campaign.
The Roosters have confirmed Manu will depart at season’s end to join Japanese rugby club Toyota Verblitz.
Manu will be the second Rooster to make a code switch at the end of 2024, with fellow centre Joseph Suaalii already signing with Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Waratahs.
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If Gagai were to join the club, he would bring a wealth of representative experience to educate younger players like Fetalaiga Pauga.
At age 33, it would also likely be the last contract a career spanning more than a dozen years, having made his debut for the Broncos in 2011.
Concerns for the Roosters’ depth in outside backs has been compounded with local junior Billy Smith suffering an injury to his ankle in his one NSW Cup match in round three against the Rabbitohs.
Michael Jennings has recently made his return to the NRL and played his first game at the top level since 2020; however, at age 35, he is not a long-term option.
Being one of the NRL’s powerhouse clubs, the Roosters are not expected to struggle in finding replacements for Manu and Suaalii.
However, the recent announcement from Parramatta that Zac Lomax will be an Eel from 2025 has taken one of the more high-profile options off the table.
There are suggestions that Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs could be an option for the Roosters, with Brisbane announcing the long-term singings of Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam while also negotiating with Selwyn Cobbo.
Panthers winger Sunia Turuva could also come into the equation, as there are rumours that he may be departing Penrith for greater opportunities elsewhere.
For now, Roosters fans will be hoping Manu and Suaalii can help guide the club to premiership success before they depart.
Online bookmakers have the Tricolours pegged at $10 to win it all this year, behind the Panthers ($3.50), Broncos ($4.50) and Storm ($6.50).