The Titans are the latest club linked to contracted Roosters centre Joseph Manu, with Gold Coast tipped to join the race for the New Zealand international come November 1.

With Manu yet to lock away his future past the end of next season, a number of rival clubs have begun circling the versatile speedster, who is currently flourishing in good form.

On top of the reported interest from the Warriors and links to the Raiders and Tigers, Manu has also been touted as an interest to New Zealand Rugby.

NRL Rd 5 - Bulldogs v Roosters
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Joseph Manu of the Roosters evades the tackle of Morgan Harper of the Bulldogs during the round five NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Sydney Roosters at Bankwest Stadium on June 15, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

While the Roosters remain in the chase to retain their rising star, the Titans are now set to make things difficult for the Bondi club, according to journalist Dean Ritchie.

โ€œThereโ€™s some internal interest at the Gold Coast,โ€ Ritchie told The Big Sports Breakfast.

โ€œIs he worth $1 million? They think he might be worth around $900,000 or $950,000.

โ€œHeโ€™s a centre, but thereโ€™s a thought that if he is shopped around as a fullback or five-eighth he could get more money. They have made an offer to Joey which is up around the $1 million but they donโ€™t want to pay that money for him as a centre. โ€œThey think heโ€™s a five-eighth, that justifies in their eyes the cost of that wage under their salary cap.

JOSEPH MANU
Centre
Roosters
2021 SEASON AVG
0.3
Try Assists
0.3
LB Assists
0.4
Tries

โ€œThe All Blacks have spoken about Joey but they probably canโ€™t pay him the money he wants.

โ€œIn 2023 itโ€™s a World Cup year so they would be on rich contracts, but they are thinking they could outlay $600,000. Itโ€™s about emotion or money โ€“ do you take a pay cut and represent the beloved All Blacks?โ€

The potential acquisition of Manu would do wonders for the Titans' hopes of landing that allured maiden premiership.

Justin Holbrook's side tipped for a finals return this season, a campaign that has thrived thanks to recruits Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita.

NRL Rd 2 - Titans v Broncos
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: David Fifita of the Titans celebrates during the round two NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium on March 19, 2021, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Should the Titans be able to land Manu's signature, then their push for a premiership would grow exponentially.

However, currently contracted for next season, Manu is unlikely to officially leave the Chooks until the end of the 2022 season.

1 COMMENT

  1. Ah Manu, way too good a player for dragons to show any interest in. Would be perfect player as our new fb, where he wants to play. Ramsey looks very ordinary and Sloan is future choice now, but Manu would be ideal and Sloan understudy/winger. Anyway Manu’s not 35 and sitting in reserve grade and not from the Broncos so of no interest to us.

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