From Cleary’s halfback understudy to enforcer targeting megastar: Young Knight’s stunning switch
Francis Manuleleua, originally a promising halfback, has successfully transitioned into a back-rower for the Newcastle Knights. He is now set to face his former mentor Nathan Cleary in the 2026 NRL Grand Final.
Why it matters
This story illustrates the unpredictable nature of professional athlete development and the strategic shifts teams make to optimize player performance.
NRL NRL-PREMIERSHIP From Cleary’s halfback understudy to enforcer targeting megastar: Young Knight’s stunning switch Matty emotional reflecting on Newcastle | 01:42 Ethan Lee Chalk from Fox Sports September 27th, 2026 8:27 am In 2023, Francis Manuleleua decided to move to Penrith, believing the Panthers could take his game to another level.
Born in New Zealand, the youngster arrived at the club as a talented halfback, so the opportunity to learn from Nathan Cleary was an obvious attraction.
Having grown up idolising Adam Reynolds, Manuleleua loved watching how elite halfbacks controlled a game and was eager to gain insight into what made Cleary one of the best in the NRL.
“He thought Penrith was going to make him a better player,” Francis’ older brother Sam Manuleleua told foxsports.com.au.
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