Former Sydney Roosters player Joseph Manu was seen boarding a flight with Papua New Guinea Rugby League general manager Michael Chammas on July 20, 2026 [1].
The sighting suggests a high-profile recruitment drive for the newest expansion team in the National Rugby League. Securing a player of Manu's caliber would provide the new franchise with immediate star power and veteran experience.
Reports indicate that Manu and Chammas were traveling together to discuss a contract for the athlete [1], [2]. The meeting comes as the NRL continues its expansion efforts, with Papua New Guinea serving as a primary focus for growth in the Pacific region [2].
Manu has previously been described as a code-hopping superstar, making him a versatile target for a team building its inaugural roster from the ground up [2]. While the specific destination of the flight was not disclosed, the pairing of the player and the general manager signals that negotiations are moving into a formal stage [1], [3].
Neither Manu nor the PNG Rugby League office has released an official statement regarding the status of the contract talks. However, the logistics of the meeting suggest a priority on securing the winger's services before other expansion interests or existing clubs can intervene [2].
This move follows a period of transition for Manu after his tenure with the Roosters. His potential transition to the PNG-based expansion effort would mark a significant shift in his professional career and the strategic direction of the NRL's growth [1], [3].
“Joseph Manu was seen boarding a flight with Papua New Guinea Rugby League general manager Michael Chammas.”
The pursuit of Joseph Manu by the PNG expansion team reflects the NRL's strategy to ensure new franchises are competitive from day one. By targeting established stars, the league avoids the 'bottom-feeder' stigma often associated with expansion teams, while simultaneously strengthening the sport's footprint in Papua New Guinea.
