The Sydney Roosters have locked in New Zealand Test centre Joseph Manu with a two-year extension shortly before he could have negotiated with rival NRL clubs.
The 23-year-old was off-contract with the NRL premiers at the end of next season, but has decided against testing his value with rival clubs on the open market from Friday.
Manu told AAP just last week he wanted to sort out his future as soon as possible and had opened talks with the club on an extension midway through the year.
“It is a lot different because obviously when I signed my other (contracts) I wasn’t really where I’m at today. There wasn’t much interest from other clubs,” Manu said.
“Now you’ve got to know what you’re worth and what you want to do in the future. At the moment I’m happy at the Roosters so that’s where I want to be.”
Since making his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2016, Manu has developed into one of the leading centres in the code, a two-time premiership winner and a six-cap Kiwis international.
With Manu locked in, attention will now turn to fellow centre Latrell Mitchell, who will be free to negotiate with other NRL clubs from November 1.
The 22-year-old State of Origin star is contracted until the end of 2020, but several clubs are reportedly preparing lucrative contracts to lure him from Bondi, including Canterbury.
Premiership stars Jake Friend, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves are also off contract at the end of next season so they are expected to attract interest.