Sydney Roosters superstar Joseph Manu could become the game's next million-dollar man, with a rival club set to offer him a huge deal for 2023.
The 25-year-old is regarded as the game's best centre, but has also filled in astutely at both fullback and five-eighth this season due to injuries.
Manu has a year left on his contract with the Roosters, and while they are hoping to re-sign him to a fresh deal, they might not be able to match some potential offers.
According to senior reporter Brent Read on Triple M, Manu is being looked at by the New Zealand Warriors, who have already told the Tricolours of their intentions once the star goes to market in November.
“It’s interesting – the Roosters are desperate to tie Joey Manu down...he’s got one year left on his deal, which means from November 1 he can start talking to other clubs," he said.
"Someone from the Warriors has already reached out to the Roosters and said ‘out of respect for you and your club, we’re letting you know right now we’re going to have a red-hot go’.
"This was before they’d signed Reece Walsh, but I understand they are very keen on Joey Manu and will look to play him at five-eighth.
"I would imagine the offer for Joey Manu would be in the seven-figure bracket. He is about to become the game’s next million-dollar man.
"Roosters have got a big fight on their hands in the next three months. He’s going to cop a massive offer from the Warriors."
Manu has won two premierships with the Roosters since debuting in 2016, and has also played five Tests for the Kiwis.
And for the Roosters, he isn't the only player they are in danger of losing.
Angus Crichton and Sio Siua Taukeiaho can both go to the open market from November 1, which could see Trent Robinson and company forced to make some tough decisions in regards to their salary cap.
“The challenges they’ve got are beyond Joey Manu," Read said.
"They’ve only signed Angus Crichton for one more year, so they’ve got to try and extend Angus Crichton as well. Those two blokes are their priorities – they’ve got Taukeiaho as well who is off in a year’s time.
"Roosters traditionally don’t pay over the odds, blokes generally stay there for a little less – you know you will be at successful club.
"That will be very hard for Joey Manu to resist, if it gets to that stage and the Warriors get a chance to put an offer in front of him."
