Chiefs 2021

Bovidae

Interesting.

Another Pacific Island of Tokoroa product.

Dice

Here are a few quotes from him from 2019.

"Ever since I was young I wanted to be an All Black. I’m still a big fan of them," Manu said. "Especially when it comes to World Cup’s. It’s a pretty big occasion for pretty much all New Zealanders.

"I love [watching] at the moment but one day I would love to play for them."

Legendary playmaker Dan Carter and Waikato superstar Mils Muliaina were his favourites players as a boy.

"Dan Carter is probably my favourite and then there are a couple of Chiefs boys - Mils Muliaina - I used to love watching him," Manu said.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/i-would-love-to-play-for-them-manu-dreams-of-all-blacks-switch-20190925-p52uvj.html

ploughboy

his old man was a handy rugby player

Bovidae

@ploughboy said in Chiefs 2021:

his old man was a handy rugby player

Club player?

Manu has some size, which we don't really have amongst NZ midfielders.

Stargazer

Why are NZR/rugby franchises suddenly going after potential code-hoppers? And why so late in a RWC cycle? I wonder whether the expectations that they are going to be good enough to be ABs aren't a bit too high?

ploughboy

@Bovidae
nooroa manu midfielder played mostly for pirates i think. might have played for waikato but cant remember. strong morman beliefs so had time away doing his mission. wouldnt be surprised if he played with sean maitlands old man.

Yeetyaah

Might not be the right thread but kinda I suppose.

I've heard it from a good source that Tei Walden nearly got a Chiefs contract this year but his injury stopped that. Also, he's been told that they're still keen once he's back from injury.

Crazy Horse

@Dice said in Chiefs 2021:

I heard that the Chiefs are going after Joseph Manu from the Sydney Roosters.

I would be more excited about this than I am about RTS.

Yeetyaah

Does Joey Manu go well? Don't watch league but had a google and he's a big dude and a NRL champ. Only 24 so still has some promise?

Nepia

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2021:

Does Joey Manu go well? Don't watch league but had a google and he's a big dude and a NRL champ. Only 24 so still has some promise?

He goes really well. Goes at least as well as his often centre partner Mitchell who is an Origin superstar.

Crazy Horse

Just realised that article about Manu dreaming of the ABs is from last year. Has there been any chatter since then or am I primed to blow my load needlessly again?

African Monkey

@Nepia Geez I wouldn't say origin superstar haha he got dropped after Origin 1 2019 and hasn't played there since but I get your point. Couldn't imagine Joey Manu as a rugby player myself. Solid defensive centre in a strong side. Think the jury is definitely out on that one if the move did happen.

Stargazer

Does anyone know what the health status is of Nathan Harris and Atu Moli? Have they recovered from last year's injuries? Can't remember whether Moli played any Mitre 10 Cup, late in the season. @Chris-B?

Bovidae

@Stargazer

Moli didn't play any NPC.

They would both need to play in the inter-squad game(s) to be considered for the Chiefs opening game. If I am able to go I will try to go to the game this weekend to see who is playing.