NRL Market Update: Manu's Return, Warriors Contract Talks, and More

Joey Manu's Potential NRL Return

Joey Manu, currently under contract with French rugby club Racing 92, is considering a return to the NRL following the conclusion of his contract. According to his father, Nooroa Manu, in an interview with Code Sports, Manu is expected to return to Australia around June, when France's Top 14 competition ends, to evaluate his options.

Two possible destinations have emerged for the former Roosters star.

Possible destinations for Manu include:

• Sydney Roosters: Manu's former club remains a possible destination, contingent on the club's roster at the time of his return.
• Papua New Guinea Chiefs: A potential move to the PNG Chiefs, who are set to join the NRL in 2028, is being considered.

Connor Watson, a former Roosters teammate of Manu, has also been linked to the PNG Chiefs.

Tanah Boyd Contract Negotiations

Tanah Boyd, the Warriors' halfback who is off-contract at the end of 2026, has commenced contract negotiations with the club. According to journalist Brent Read, Boyd's preference is to remain with the Warriors and will only consider a move if a deal cannot be finalized.

Boyd has recorded nine try assists this season, ranking him tied for third in the NRL, and has contributed to six wins for the Warriors.

Warriors Player Contract Updates

Multiple New Zealand Warriors players are addressing their contract futures ahead of the 2026 NRL season. Eight players are currently off-contract.

Rocco Berry

The centre, recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last year, expressed a desire to remain with the Warriors. Berry stated his intention to return to the field for the club. He is expected to miss part of the upcoming season.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

The outside back is off-contract at the end of 2026. Both the player and the Warriors are reportedly open to extending his contract. Tuivasa-Sheck has previously indicated openness to a club switch or a move to the rugby union competition R360, which is now delayed until 2028. Multiple Sydney clubs have expressed interest, with a potential reunion with the Sydney Roosters noted as a possibility.

Kurt Capewell

The Queensland Maroons representative is playing for a new contract as he enters the final months of his current deal. Capewell stated his goal is to win the NRL premiership with the Warriors.

Wests Tigers Deny Pursuit of Xerri and Drinkwater

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has stated that the club is not actively pursuing Canterbury Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri or Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater. Marshall cited a club policy against public recruitment discussions.

Warriors and Broncos Player Swap Talks

The Warriors have identified Brisbane Broncos recruit Grant Anderson as their primary target in a potential player swap involving prop Mitch Barnett. Barnett's two-year deal with the Broncos, including an option for a third, is contingent on the Warriors receiving a player in return.

Warriors CEO Cameron George confirmed the club has squad space for an immediate switch and is awaiting confirmation from the Broncos regarding a suitable player.

Patrick Carrigan Contract Situation

Brisbane Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan is reportedly seeking a salary increase following teammate Payne Haas's upcoming departure to the Rabbitohs in 2027. Carrigan is currently contracted until the end of the 2028 season.

Reports suggest Carrigan could become a $1 million per season player for the Broncos. Carrigan has also indicated he would consider a move to the potential PNG Chiefs team.