Joseph Manu
A dynamic and fearless centre whose bruising runs and game-breaking ability made him the heartbeat of champion teams in both Australian and New Zealand rugby league.
Born 1996 (age 30)·New Zealand and Maori international rugby league footballer·Birthday: June 29·Millennials
Biography
Joseph Manu doesn't just play rugby league; he imposes his will on it. From his early days with the Sydney Roosters, the New Zealand-born centre displayed a rare blend of power, pace, and footwork that made him a nightmare for defensive lines. He wasn't just a finisher; he was an originator, capable of creating something from nothing with a devastating fend or a sudden burst of acceleration. His tenure at the Roosters was decorated with premierships, where his partnership with teammates formed one of the most formidable edges in the sport. For the New Zealand national team, Manu transformed into a leader and a talisman, his performances in the black jersey often reaching another level of intensity. His bold move to French rugby union with Racing 92 in 2024 underscored his relentless drive to test himself, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most complete and entertaining outside backs of his generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Joseph was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joseph Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Joseph's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won NRL Premierships with the Sydney Roosters in 2018 and 2019.
- Represented New Zealand (Kiwi) at the international level.
- Won the prestigious Brad Fittler Medal as the Roosters' best player in 2021.
- Played a central role in the New Zealand Māori rugby league team.
Did You Know?
He played his junior rugby league for the Papanui Tigers in Christchurch, New Zealand.
He made his NRL debut for the Sydney Roosters in 2016.
He was awarded the Dally M Centre of the Year in 2021.
His sister, Karli, is also a professional rugby league player for the Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW.
“I just want to run hard, tackle hard, and do my job for the team.”
