Joseph Manu
{{short description|New Zealand and Maori international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
| name = Joey Manu
| fullname = Joseph Manu
| image = Joseph MANU.jpg
| imagesize =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1996|6|29}}
| birth_place = Hamilton, New Zealand
| height = {{convert|192|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|98|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
| position = {{rlp|CE|FB|WG|FE}}
| first = RL
| club1 = Sydney Roosters
| year1start = 2016
| year1end = 24
| appearances1 = 181
| tries1 = 69
| goals1 = 0
| fieldgoals1 = 0
| points1 = 276
| teamA = New Zealand
| yearAstart = 2018
| yearAend = 23
| appearancesA = 17
| triesA = 6
| goalsA = 0
| fieldgoalsA = 0
| pointsA = 24
| teamB = Māori All Stars
| yearBstart = 2021
| yearBend =
| appearancesB = 1
| triesB = 0
| goalsB = 0
| fieldgoalsB = 0
| pointsB = 0
| ru_position = Centre, Wing, Fullback
| ru_club1 = Toyota Verblitz
| ru_year1start = 2024
| ru_year1end = 2025
| ru_appearances1 = 17
| ru_tries1 = 11
| ru_goals1 = 0
| ru_fieldgoals1 = 0
| ru_points1 = 55
| new = yes
| source = {{Cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/stats/players/|title=Players|website=Love Rugby League|access-date=9 November 2018|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403181023/https://www.loverugbyleague.com/stats/players/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/joseph-manu/summary.html|title=Joseph Manu - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project|website=www.rugbyleagueproject.org}}
| updated = 27 September 2024
| medal_templates=
{{MedalSport|Men's rugby league nines}}
{{MedalCountry|{{AUS}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|Commonwealth Games}}
{{Medal|Bronze|2014 Glasgow|Exhibition}}
}}
Joseph Manu (born 29 June 1996) is a New Zealand professional rugby footballer who plays for Toyota Verblitz in the Japan Rugby League One. He previously played as a {{rlp|ce}} for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL), with whom he won premierships in 2018 and 2019, and represented New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori at international level. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest centres in the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/01/24/25-in-25-best-centre-of-nrl-era-inglis-gasnier-hodges-cooper-manu-morris-lyon |title= 25 in 25: Best centre of NRL era - Inglis, Gasnier, Hodges, Cooper, Manu, Morris, Lyon? |publisher=theroar.com.au |first=Paul |last=Suttor |date=23 January 2023}}
Background
Manu was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, and is of Māori and Cook Island descent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/two-kiwis-one-town-and-their-2260km-journey-to-the-roosters-20180921-p505ah.html|title=Two Kiwis, one town and their 2260km journey to the Roosters|first=Adrian|last=Proszenko|date=21 September 2018|website=The Sydney Morning Herald }} He was raised in Tokoroa.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/300324236/rugby-league-star-joseph-manu-joins-south-waikato-food-distribution-charity |title=Rugby league star Joseph Manu joins South Waikato food distribution |publisher=Stuff |first=Luke |last=Kirkeby |date=3 June 2021}}
Manu played his junior rugby league for Tokoroa High School before being signed by the Sydney Roosters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Fteams%2Froosters%2Froosters-centre-joseph-manu-reflects-on-hometown-ahead-of-nrl-grand-final%2Fnews-story%2Fef097fe066f565bc27e2b767f272f2c3&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=5eff9b3b5c359eb9617982afb61d4e3a-1599311128|title=Dailytelegraph.com.au | Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}}{{cite web |last1=Kirkeby |first1=Luke |title=Tokoroa's Christmas Parade celebrates rugby league heroes |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/109199705/tokoroas-christmas-parade-celebrates-rugby-league-heroes |website=Stuff |date=8 December 2018 |publisher=Stuff |access-date=10 December 2018}}
Playing career
=Early career=
Having won the S. G. Ball Cup with the Roosters in 2014, Manu travelled to Glasgow to represent Australia in an under-19s rugby league nines tournament at the 2014 Commonwealth Games,{{cite web|date=26 June 2014|title=SG Ball Roosters in Commonwealth Games trial|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2014/06/26/sg-ball-roosters-in-commonwealth-games-trial/|publisher=NRL.com|access-date=4 February 2018}} where Australia finished in second place. Manu moved into the Roosters' NYC team by the end of the year, where he played until 2016, scoring 34 tries in 48 games.{{cite web|url=https://nycdatabase.org/players/m/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622220803/http://nycdatabase.org/players/m/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 June 2015|title=M|date=27 December 2012|publisher=Nyc Database|access-date=2016-06-21}}{{cite web|author=Tim Costello|url=http://leagueunlimited.com/news/27331-leagueunlimited-nyc-teams-2016-round-1|title=LeagueUnlimited NYC Teams - 2016 Round 1|publisher=League Unlimited|date=2016-03-01|access-date=2016-06-21}} On 2 May 2015, Manu played for the Junior Kiwis against the Junior Kangaroos, playing on the wing and scoring a try in the 22-20 loss at Robina Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/05/02/junior-roos-hold-on-in-thriller/|title=Junior Roos hold on in thriller|date=2 May 2015|website=National Rugby League}} On 16 June 2015, Manu re-signed with the Roosters on a 2-year contract.http://www.zerotackle.com/roosters-re-sign-up-and-coming-juniors-17836/#V10BbOmxdcDXTss0.97|title=Roosters {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809013453/http://www.zerotackle.com/roosters-re-sign-up-and-coming-juniors-17836/#V10BbOmxdcDXTss0.97%7Ctitle=Roosters |date=9 August 2016 }} re-sign up-and-coming Juniors On 14 September 2015, Manu was named on the wing in the 2015 NYC team of the year as he scored 22 tries in 24 matches for the year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/09/14/2015-holden-cup-team-of-the-year/|title=2015 Holden Cup Team of the Year|date=14 September 2015|website=National Rugby League}}
=2016=
In February 2016, Manu was selected in the Roosters 2016 NRL Auckland Nines squad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/02/03/2016-downer-nrl-auckland-nines-official-squads/|title=2016 Downer NRL Auckland Nines Official Squads|date=3 February 2016|website=National Rugby League}}
In Round 15 of the 2016 NRL season, Manu made his NRL debut for the Sydney Roosters against the New Zealand Warriors, playing on the wing in the 12-10 loss at Mt Smart Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/manu-shines-in-debut-at-home/tabid/10874/newsid/98250/default.aspx|title=Manu shines in debut at 'home'|publisher=NRL.com|date=2016-02-28|access-date=2016-06-21}} On 5 September 2016, Manu was named on the wing in the 2016 NYC Team of the Year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/09/05/2016-holden-cup-team-of-the-year-announced/|title=2016 Holden Cup Team of the Year announced|date=5 September 2016|website=National Rugby League}} On 2 October 2016, Manu played on the wing in the Roosters 2016 Holden Cup Grand Final against the Penrith Panthers, scoring 2 tries in the comeback 30-28 victory after being down 28-6 at halftime.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/10/02/roosters-win-classic-holden-cup-grand-final/|title=Roosters win classic Holden Cup grand final|date=2 October 2016|website=National Rugby League}} On 11 October 2016, Manu extended his contract with the Roosters to the end of the 2018 season. Manu finished his debut season in the NRL playing in 3 matches for the Roosters in the 2016 NRL season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.zerotackle.com/roosters-re-sign-young-gun-joseph-manu-24165/|title=Roosters re-sign young gun Joseph Manu|date=11 October 2016}}
=2017=
In February 2017, Manu was selected in the Roosters 2017 NRL Auckland Nines winning squad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2017/02/04/2017-downer-nrl-auckland-nines-squads/|title=2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines squads|date=3 February 2017|website=National Rugby League}}
In Round 7 against the Newcastle Knights, Manu scored his first NRL career try in the Roosters 24-6 win at Hunter Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/roosters/sydney-roosters-earn-solid-246-victory-over-valiant-newcastle-knights/news-story/5c862d6b786e7272adac086227bc475f|title=Why Daley must look to Cordner|date=14 April 2017|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}} Manu finished the 2017 NRL season with playing in 16 matches and scoring 5 tries. Manu was overlooked for the Roosters finals series and played for the Wyong Roos in which they made the 2017 NSW Cup against the Penrith Panthers but lost 20-12 at Leichhardt Oval.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2017/09/25/panthers-clinch-nswrl-title/|title=Panthers clinch NSWRL title|date=25 September 2017|website=Queensland Rugby League}}
=2018=
On 20 March 2018, Manu extended his contract with the Roosters to the end of the 2020 season.https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/latrell-mitchell-joseph-manu-and- {{Dead link|date=February 2022}} On 30 September 2018, Manu played in the 2018 NRL Grand Final against the Melbourne Storm, playing at centre and scoring a try in the 21-6 win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/roosters/the-packed-loungeroom-and-empty-wallet-behind-joseph-manus-nrl-grand-final-stunner/news-story/08b01d6ad6bf4cd4886f2be83124a021|title=NRL grand final 2018: Joseph Manu family, Tokoroa, Roosters v Storm|date=1 October 2018}} In the final minutes of the match, Manu was on the receiving end of a kick to the head while he was on the ground by Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster in which Munster sin binned for the second time in the match.{{Cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/nrl-cameron-munster-slammed-for-dirty-kick-on-joseph-manu-melbourne-storm-sydney-roosters/fda17536-3812-412b-9383-27cb9371a086|title=Munster slammed after dirty head-kick on Manu|website=wwos.nine.com.au}} Manu had an enjoyable 2018 NRL season, playing in 26 matches and scoring 8 tries. The day after the Grand Final win, Manu was selected in the New Zealand national rugby league team 23-man squad for their one-off test against Australia and their tour of England.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/five-debutants-named-in-new-zealand-kiwis-squad-for-tests-against-australia-and-england/news-story/4fe2cb4b6b822599cb215409b46601b2|title=NRL news 2018: New Zealand Kiwis squad v Australia, England|date=1 October 2018}}
On 13 October 2018, Manu made his international debut for New Zealand against Australia, playing at centre and scoring a try in a sensational debut as the Kiwis pulled off a 26-24 win at Mt Smart Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/joseph-manu-shines-on-debut-for-nz-kiwis-against-australia/news-story/245ed4836fb511b3333d500775c9d3fd|title=Australian Kangaroos v NZ Kiwis: Joseph Manu, Shaun Johnson|date=13 October 2018}}
=2019=
Manu made 25 appearances for the Sydney Roosters in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished second on the table and qualified for the finals.
Manu played at centre in the club's 2019 NRL Grand Final victory over the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49950757/|title=Sydney Roosters beat Canberra Raiders to win NRL Grand Final|website=BBC}}
=2020=
On 22 February, Manu played for the Sydney Roosters in their 2020 World Club Challenge victory defeating St Helens 20-12.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/feb/22/st-helens-sydney-roosters-world-club-challenge-match-report/|title=Sydney Roosters are World Club champions after Manu mauls St Helens|website=www.theguardian.com|date=22 February 2020}}
Manu played 21 games for the Sydney Roosters in the 2020 NRL season. The club finished fourth on the table and qualified for the finals but lost both games to be eliminated in straight sets ending their quest for a third straight premiership.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/10/09/raiders-march-on-as-three-peat-dream-ends-for-roosters/|title='More than a team': Ricky's resilient Raiders keep the dream alive|website=www.nrl.com|date=9 October 2020}}
=2021=
In round 12 of the 2021 NRL season, he scored two tries in a 44-16 victory over Canberra.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-29/nrl-live-score-updates-panthers-bulldogs-rabbitohs-eels/100176060/|title=Penrith Panthers cruise past last-placed Bulldogs as Roosters and Rabbitohs also win big in NRL|newspaper=ABC News|date=29 May 2021}}
In the round 24 match against arch-rivals South Sydney, former teammate Latrell Mitchell hit Manu with a high and late shot to the head, resulting in a season-ending depressed cheekbone fracture. The Sydney Roosters would go on to lose the match 54-12.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/08/27/round-24-judiciary-charges/|title=Round 24 charges: Latrell cops six-game ban; Paulo, Bromwich, Flegler in strife|website=www.nrl.com|date=31 August 2021}}
On 29 November 2021 after a speculated move to the New Zealand Warriors, Manu extended his contract to start with the Sydney Roosters until the end of 2024.
=2022=
In round 4 of the 2022 NRL season, he scored two tries for the Sydney Roosters in a 28-4 victory over North Queensland. The following week, he scored a further two tries in a 24-20 victory over Brisbane. In round 18, Manu scored two tries in a 54-26 victory over St. George Illawarra.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-sydney-roosters-vs-st-george-illawarra-dragons-live-stream-live-blog-supercoach-scores-videos-james-tedesco-ben-hunt/news-story/84fc59716c09b00cc34d1f1588e90b83/|title=‘What can’t he do?’: Manu stuns as Roosters shred Dragons; Hunt’s ‘Johns-like’ show — 3 Big Hits|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
In October he was named in the New Zealand squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.[https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/rugby-league-world-cup-2021-squad-lists/ Full list of every squad at the Rugby League World Cup 2021]
In November he was named in the 2021 RLWC Team of the Tournament and was named the winner of the Golden Boot, for the best international player of the year. Manu also became the first Sydney Roosters player since Anthony Minichiello (in 2005) to claim the award while also becoming the next New Zealander after Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (in 2019) to win it despite the award wasn't given to anyone in 2020-2021 due to covid. [https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/rugby-league-world-cup-2021-team-of-the-tournament-samoan-players-matt-parish-jarome-luai-mens-news-grand-final-australia-vs-samoa-news/news-story/a21b36bd8c3bf810be6953e4420220a9 Samoan domination as unlikely halfback earns No.7 jersey: WC Team of the Tournament]
=2023=
In round 3 of the 2023 NRL season, Manu was sent to the sin bin during the Sydney Roosters 20-18 victory over arch-rivals South Sydney.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-17/nrl-knights-dolphins-roosters-rabbitohs/102097528/|title=Sydney Roosters triumph over Rabbitohs 20-18 in tense NRL battle, Dolphins stay unbeaten with 36-20 win over Newcastle Knights|website=www.abc.net.au}}
Manu played 21 matches for the Sydney Roosters in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished 7th on the table and qualified for the finals. Manu played in the clubs elimination finals victory over Cronulla but missed the following weeks match against Melbourne in which the Sydney Roosters lost 18-13.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/sydney-roosters-nrl-2023-season-review/88b2453a9bca06123c73704b#:~:text=While%20their%20late%2Dseason%20heroics,to%20reach%20the%20prelim%20finals./|title=NRL 2023: Sydney Roosters season review|website=www.sportingnews.com}}
=2024=
In round 3 of the 2024 NRL season, Manu scored two tries for the Sydney Roosters in their 48-6 victory over arch-rivals South Sydney.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/news/nrl-2024-sydney-roosters-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-live-blog-teams-video-jason-demetriou-lachlan-ilias-dean-hawkins/news-story/c45c44656145dd4aa519f97de60f713a/|title=Souths set for serious ‘soul-searching’ as Roosters stars run riot in ‘total domination’: Big hits|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
On 16 April, it was reported that Manu had signed a one-year deal to join Japanese Rugby Union side Toyota Verblitz starting in 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-16/joey-manu-confirms-move-from-sydney-roosters-to-japanese-rugby/103730332/|title=Joey Manu confirms he will leave NRL and Sydney Roosters to join Japanese rugby union's Toyota Verblitz|website=www.abc.net.au}}
In round 8 of the 2024 NRL season, Manu scored two tries for the Sydney Roosters in their 60-18 victory over St. George Illawarra in the traditional ANZAC Day game.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-25/nrl-anzac-day-sam-walker-sydney-roosters-/103770120/|title=Sam Walker's Anzac Day masterclass shows the maddening brilliance of the Sydney Roosters|website=www.abc.net.au}}
In round 12, Manu scored two tries for the Sydney Roosters in their 44-16 win over Canberra.{{cite web|url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8640869/nrl-roosters-trounce-raiders-44-16-at-canberra-stadium/|title='He deserves to be selected in Origin': Roosters thrash Raiders in NSW Origin audition|website=www.canberratimes.com.au}}
Honours
Individual
- Dally M Centre of the Year: 2022
- IRL Golden Boot: 2022
- RLWC Team of the Tournament: 2021
Sydney Roosters
- NRL Premiership: 2018, 2019
- NRL Minor Premiership: 2018
New Zealand
- Pacific Championship: 2023
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://www.roosters.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/sydney-roosters/joseph-manu/ Sydney Roosters profile]
- [http://www.roosters.com.au/team/profiles/joseph_manu.html Roosters profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620215519/http://www.roosters.com.au/team/profiles/joseph_manu.html |date=20 June 2016 }}
- [http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/playerstats/playerprofile/tabid/10898/clubid/13/playerid/6948/seasonid/44/default.aspx NRL profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723084917/http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/playerstats/playerprofile/tabid/10898/clubid/13/playerid/6948/seasonid/44/default.aspx |date=23 July 2016 }}
{{Toyota Verblitz squad}}
{{Sydney Roosters 2017 Auckland Nines Champions}}
{{Sydney Roosters squad - 2018 NRL premiers}}
{{Sydney Roosters - 2019 World Club Challenge winners}}
{{Sydney Roosters squad - 2019 NRL Grand Final winners}}
{{Sydney Roosters - 2020 World Club Challenge winners}}
{{New Zealand 2021 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{2021 RLWC Team of the Tournament}}
{{Rugby League Golden Boot Award Winners}}
{{2015 National Youth Competition Team of the Year}}
{{Sydney Roosters squad - 2016 NYC premiers}}
{{2016 National Youth Competition Team of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Manu, Joseph}}
Category:Sportspeople from Tokoroa
Category:New Zealand national rugby league team players
Category:New Zealand rugby league players
Category:New Zealand rugby union players
Category:New Zealand Māori rugby league players
Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Cook Island descent
Category:People educated at Tokoroa High School
Category:Rugby league players from Hamilton, New Zealand
Category:Rugby union players from Hamilton, New Zealand
Category:Sydney Roosters players
Category:Toyota Verblitz players