A fresh report has revealed Joey Manu is eyeing a return to Australia or New Zealand, which could open the door for a potential NRL comeback.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the former Roosters player is "considering asking for a release" from his contract with Top 14 club Racing 92.
Manu, who currently plies his trade for Japanese side Toyota Verblitz, had only recently signed a one-year contract with the French team.
He is set to join them for pre-season training in July.
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However, he could seek a premature release from his contract due to "family reasons", with a return to Sydney or New Zealand on the cards.
Whether Racing 92 would cut ties on compassionate grounds is unknown, though.
The aforementioned locations could set up either a reunion with the Roosters or a move to the Warriors.
The Tricolours have struggled since Manu's departure last year, while the Warriors – who have made a positive start to 2025 – could use an upgrade for their outside backs.
Both destinations remain hypotheticals, of course, with the 28-year-old yet to formally request a release.
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The SMH report comes just three weeks after Manu publicly committed to rugby union.
"I’m sticking in rugby," he said
"Like I have said, I hope to play for the All Blacks. That’s a dream, and the World Cup would be nice.
"But all I can say is I’ll be in rugby for this year and next year, and I just want to see how each year goes."
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Roosters coach Trent Robinson also responded to reports of a potential Manu return.
"No, I didn’t know about it," he said on Thursday.
"When I first heard about it, I was interested to find out why and about how Joey is and what was the reason for it.
"But there’s nothing from a rugby league perspective on our terms, at the moment. I had no idea about it, at all.
"This is his home and it always has been. But I’m sure he’s got a plan if he’s asked for a release.
"He’ll have a plan on what he wants to do and that’s not going to be us at the moment.
"Naturally, you would [want to see him play for the Roosters if he returns to the NRL]. But that’s not our choice. Joey gets to make his choice. He doesn’t owe us anything.
"I’d be interested if it’s true because I don’t know if it’s true.
"Until Joey tells me, I’d be interested in knowing why he doesn’t want to go to France. Why wouldn't you want to go to France?"