Josh Mansour officially confirms new club in Australia

Josh McAllister
Josh Mansour hat-trick. PA Images

Having ruled out a move to Super League due to the expected arrival of his third child, Lebanon international Josh Mansour has found a new club in Australia.

Mansour, 32, has officially linked up with Newtown Jets in the New South Wales Cup ahead of the 2023 campaign.

The former NRL winger featured for the club during pre-season against the Canterbury Bulldogs in a behind-closed-doors trial.

Played at Belmore Sports Ground, it was the club’s second and final trial for the 2023 season. Newtown Jets reported: “A particularly interesting inclusion in Newtown’s team on Sunday was the former Australian Test winger and NSW State of Origin representative Josh Mansour.

“Josh has indicated he is interested in playing with Newtown, while remaining open to any offers from NRL clubs.”

Now, Mansour confirmed his move on Tuesday, sharing on social media: “Officially a jet!”

More on Josh Mansour

Mansour has enjoyed 174 NRL appearances to date, having made his debut back in 2012 for Penrith Panthers. He played across nine seasons with the club, before linking up with South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2021.

He was limited to just 16 appearances for the Rabbitohs, with his contract expiring at the end of the 2022 NRL campaign.

Mansour had discussed his interest in making a Super League move during his World Cup campaign with Lebanon in England.

“I’m still off-contract, so definitely (I’d be open to a move),” Mansour previously told Love Rugby League in October.

“That’s why I love this opportunity as well. I can get used to the area and get used to the people. So far, so good.

“I’m really enjoying the culture here. I’ve just got to convince the misses now!”

However, the veteran winger said in January that a potential move to England was off due to the expected arrival of his third child.

He featured in all four of Lebanon’s World Cup fixtures, including the quarter-final against Australia in Huddersfield.

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