‘I wouldn’t have my family locked in a compound’: Wallabies star rejects PNG Chiefs

Joseph Manu may be on the verge of a big-money return to the NRL with the PNG Chiefs.

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But there’s been a stark reminder that the tax-free dollars being wielded by the Port Moresby-based franchise aren’t everything with news the Chiefs have missed out on the signature of Wallabies backline star Izaia Parese.

Having played for the Leicester Tigers in England’s top rugby division since 2024, the six cap Wallaby fronted the media in Brisbane to announce a two-year Super Rugby deal that will see him return to his former side the Queensland Reds from 2027.

“I thought my journey was overseas and that was going to be me for the rest of my career. In Australia, in Queensland, is where I want to be and excited is an understatement,” Perese said.

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The 29-year-old said he was particularly motivated about the possibility of playing in next year’s home Rugby World Cup, before being asked about rumours he had been courted by the incoming PNG Chiefs franchise in the NRL.

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‘It would drive my missus and kids crazy’

Parese made it clear that was never an option, particularly with four young children.

“Queensland is home for me and my family,” he declared. 

“I spent two years at Leicester and it was quite challenging as a young family to have no support, I’m home and now having a support network around us is a huge factor as to why I chose the Reds,” Perese said.

As for a lucrative deal with the Chiefs?

“I don’t know too much about rugby league, but I wouldn’t have my family locked in a compound for nine months,” he said bluntly.

“It would drive my missus and kids crazy.”

And therein lies the problem for many of the stars the Chiefs are looking to lure away from their current teams and family support networks.

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The money is big, but it comes at a cost that not everyone is willing to pay.