Raiders lose out on Manu

[Super Cronk]

Raiders lose out on Manu

Foxsports.com.au

CASTLEFORD has secured the services of former St George Illawarra back rower Willie Manu after a tug-of-war with the Canberra Raiders.

Castleford announced the signing of the 25-year-old Tonga international in November after he was released by the Dragons, but he was then the subject of a late Raiders bid.

"It seems that there was some interest from NRL clubs after reports that Willie had problems obtaining a work permit," said Tigers spokesman David Smart.

"However, we were always confident that Willie would be joining us. That confidence has been justified and Willie, along with his fellow Tongan international, Richard Fa'aoso, will be flying out today."

While Castleford won this battle, it is still waiting to hear if centre Ryan McGoldrick will join it or NRL premier Wests Tigers.

Manu is expected to train with his new teammates on Saturday and could be included in the Tigers' squad for Sunday's local derby with Wakefield.

Manu may yet miss Castleford's opening Super League game against Hull on February 10 because he is due in court in Wollongong four days earlier on an assault charge.

He and two other men were arrested in May after allegedly punching and kicking a nightclub owner.

Manu was released from the final year of his Dragons contract after he breached bail conditions and was arrested for driving an unregistered vehicle while disqualified in July.


Castleford remain hopeful McGoldrick will complete its overseas quota.

The former Cronulla back signed a one-year contract with Castleford last month but had earlier agreed to join Wests Tigers and is currently in talks with it about securing a release.

[DeeGan]

Good luck to Manu, I am sure Elliot and the Raiders are not overly disappointed as the Manu signing was always going to be a throw of the dice given he can be one guilty of be ing easily distracted off the field.

DeeGan