Roosters fend off rivals to secure Manu until 2022
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The Sydney Roosters have fended off rivals targeting the signature of Joseph Manu with the club announcing a two-year contract extension with the Kiwi international.
Manu wasn't off contract until the end of 2020 but could have begun receiving offers from rival clubs for 2021 as early as November 1 under NRL rules.
The 23-year-old is in Auckland as part of New Zealand's preparations for Saturday's Test against Great Britain and had been linked to several NRL clubs following his side's back-to-back premierships.
"The Roosters is home to me, I love this club," Manu said in a statement.
"Trent [Robinson], the coaches, the players, they've all made me a better person and a better player and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to know that I'll continue to be part of the team at the Roosters for at least the next three years."
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Manu came through the Roosters' SG Ball and under 20s development system and has become an integral part of the Tricolours' backline.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson was pleased to have secured the talented centre.
"Joseph is highly-regarded by his teammates and all the coaching staff for both the athlete and the person he is," Robinson said.
"Joey's work ethic is outstanding and he holds himself accountable on the field, but just as importantly, he is a good man who embodies the values we want in our players, so it's great news to have him extend with the club."
Manu's 17-year-old brother Kani will join the club's SG Ball squad in 2020.
The Roosters' next mission will now turn to the retention of Manu's centre partner Latrell Mitchell and rugged prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Both players can begin to field offers from rivals from the end of the week.
