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Live sport on SN this weekendKnights forward to pack out Mount Smart grandstand
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • August 28th, 2026 4:07 pm
Francis Manuleleua | Photo: @NRLKnights/Photosport
Newcastle Knights second-rower Francis Manuleleua is expecting a huge family turnout when he returns to Auckland to face the Warriors.
The Auckland-born 22-year-old has revealed as many as 50 relatives are expected to pack out a section of Go Media Mt Smart Stadium.
“Had a lot of family that I haven't heard from in a while ask for a few tickets, so had to ask a few boys to give me some of their spare tickets just to make some numbers up,” Manuleleua told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
“Probably close to like 40-50 (people), so one of the whole bays will just be my family, so that'll be good.”
Manuleleua grew up in a family of South Sydney supporters, but said they have now switched allegiances and jumped on the Warriors’ bandwagon.
Francis Manuleluea | Photo: @NRLKnights/Instagram
The match will hold added significance for Manuleleua, who made his NRL debut against the Warriors in Round 3 this year.
Manuleleua came through the Warriors pathways system from the age of 14 until the end of high school before deciding to move to Australia.
“It was a proud moment for me to debut, especially against, I would say my old club, and I knew a lot of boys across the field, so it was good to rub shoulders with them again.
“Home will always be back in NZ,” Manuleleua shared.
Manuleleua is eligible to represent both New Zealand and Samoa at international level but admits he has yet to make a final decision.
“I do want to play international footy,” Manuleleua said. “I've always wanted to put on that blue jersey, but it would be good to put on that black jersey too.”
The Knights forward said his international allegiance could depend on who comes calling first, which could be sooner rather than later.
Listen to the full interview below:
