ABs were interested in Manu, says Foster
Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster says there were talks with NRL star Joseph Manu “two or three years” ago about a return to New Zealand, via the Chiefs in Super Rugby, to have a crack at the All Blacks.
Manu, now 27, subsequently re-signed with the Roosters, but his All Blacks bid is far from over after it was announced on Tuesday that both he and Foster will join Toyota Verblitz in the Japan Rugby League One competition.
Manu will use his time in Japan under Foster – and alongside former All Black Aaron Smith – to learn the nuances of rugby, and Foster told The Post yesterday that the All Blacks’ interest in him was genuine and mutual.
“He’s a big, strong player, and I love the fact that he likes the ball in his hands at big moments,” Foster said. “I think that tells you a lot about players. He’s quick, very professional and determined to give rugby a crack.
“Two or three years ago, we were talking to him about maybe coming back to New Zealand rugby through the Chiefs at that point, but it wasn’t really the time.
“I think in many ways this is a great way for him to get off the radar a little bit and, without the intense scrutiny, to actually give himself a chance to see how he actually does adapt to rugby. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
The Roosters announced in late 2021 that Manu had re-signed with them, and he has been a standout for the Sydney glamour club.
But, the rugby itch is clearly still present for Manu, and Foster said he was impressed by Manu’s attitude even though the earlier talks came to nothing.
“Certainly there was some initial conversations but it didn’t eventuate,” Foster said. “Sometimes it’s all about timing with contracts and where players are at with their career.
“He stopped those talks pretty early. I think once he made his mind up ... he seems to be very straight up with his intentions about what he’s doing.”
Steve Hansen, director of rugby at Toyota Verblitz, did the heavy lifting on the Manu deal, and compared the Kiwis star to Sonny Bill Williams.
“It’s no different to what we did with Sonny. Joey and Sonny are excellent athletes, and there’s no reason he can’t be a similar success,” Hansen told the Sydney Morning Herald.
But, Foster will also have a connection with Manu, both men having spent time in Tokoroa during their formative years.
“He’s from Tokoroa, which is my school space. So, there’s a little little bit of that there, and I’m quite excited about getting to know him.
“But Steve Hansen particularly has spent a lot of time working in that space and has got a lot of time for Joey.”
Manu may not be the only New Zealander who ends up with Foster in Japan next year, with Foster confirming that Beauden Barrett’s return to the Blues would open up a spot in the Toyota Verblitz for another non-Japanese test player.
All Blacks coming off contract in 2024 include the Crusaders’ Sevu Reece, with whom Foster has a strong relationship.