After 20 years playing at a high level in New Zealand, Italy and Australia, Manu has pulled the pin on his playing days.

The 38-year-old, who played for two years with the Maitland Blacks, is keen to move into coaching but when and where is yet to be determined.

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Wildfires coach Scott Coleman has offered Manu a position on his staff. Although "nice to be wanted" Manu plans to devote the next few months to his young family.

"I still love the game," Manu said. "I'm training and staying fit, but I am getting little niggles. Nothing major but with COVID, everything was dragging out. I felt like my best footy was behind me.

"If only the Wildfires had come a few years earlier. I don't want to keep playing when my body is done.

"I thought I'd change the tempo and learn a bit more about coaching.

"Some players walk away when they finish playing. I still enjoy rugby, I'm not over it. I love being around the guys and learning. I want to stay involved but I don't want to commit to anything at the moment, especially with the two young kids."

Manu has experience at coaching. He was captain-coach at The Waratahs in 2016 and is involved with the rugby program at Hunter Sports High.

"I want to learn a lot more and get my skills base up," Manu said. "Australian rugby is on the up. The Wildfires are going well here. It is more about trying to look after the next generation coming through. There is a lot of talent here."

Manu has jammed more than most into an outstanding playing career.

The electrifying inside back and game breaker has represented Samoa, won first-grade premierships in Christchurch, in Italy with Lazio and in Newcastle for The Waratahs.

In 2018, he became just the fourth player to win consecutive Anderson Medals, presented to Hunter Rugby's best and fairest player, before spending the past two seasons with the Wildfires in the Shute Shield.

Coleman could not speak highly enough of Manu as a player and person.

"He is a level head and knows what you have to do on and off the field to compete at that level," Coleman said. "I would have loved to have got him 10 years younger. In saying that, he has been awesome. He is always upbeat, leads by example and never once let us down. He is infectious in every thing he does and we would love for him to have a role with us."

Manu said there were too many highlights to single out one or two.

"I have lifelong friends from every single place I have played at," he said. "I have won a championship with Marist Albion in Christchurch, here with The Waratahs and over in Italy at Lazio. It is more the life experiences for me. I loved playing at Maitland and at University, even though it was for a short time.

"I have not been at a team and not enjoyed it. I am not over rugby, l just want to move to another phase."

"If I get an opportunity to coach, it would be good to take the family to Europe down the track. That would be cool for an experience."

Manu moved to Newcastle in 2013 and has now doubts the region can maintain a competitive team in the Sydney competition.

"Now that Wildfires have some certainty they can prepare properly, get a full pre-season in and plan," he said. The players and staff know what to expect in the Shute Shield now.

"I have had some parents ring me and ask about the academy. I tell them the club is on the way up. It is a good time to get involved.

"There is definitely a pathway there for players. Look at Joe Tamani. He was a club player when he came here. He had a few breakout games and doors opened for him.

"I hope other players do the same. If you put the training in and perform, doors will open."