Joseph Manu was one of the stars for the Sydney Roosters last week, but the quietly spoken centre has credited his forward pack for laying the platform and providing the laughs to keep the team in good spirits.
With two tries and two try assists to his name, Manu was a catalyst in his side's 28-4 victory against the North Queensland Cowboys, but according to the strike centre, it was the tough work up the middle from the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Lindsay Collins that allowed him to put on his stunning performance.
And that's exactly what he wants to see heading into Friday night's match against the Broncos in Brisbane.
“They’re pretty funny, they all act like kids,” he laughed.
“They’re big, they’re strong – they’re not that good looking – but they’re one of the best packs in the league. Rolling off the back of them is really nice and to have them on our team.
“They’re tough. Jared has been there for a while and leads from the front. You’ve got Siua, Lindsay, Daniel Suluka-Fifita. They step up in the big games and that’s what you want as an outside back.
“It was a good start last week. I think there was a lot of good teamwork there and it’s something we need to build on for next week.
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“We started well but we’ve got to get ready for this week. We know it’s going to be a big game against the Broncos here in Brisbane. We’ll pick up our lessons and keep moving forward.”
Manu cited the improving performances of Lindsay Collins, who is four matches in from successfully rehabilitating the dreaded ACL rupture, and was quick to praise the State of Origin representative for his professionalism on the field and his sense of humour off of it.
“He’s been awesome," Manu beamed.
“Obviously we missed him a bit with his power running and in defence, he’s a big body and he’s tough to tackle. It’s been great to have him back in the side and he’s getting better each game coming off the back of that injury.
“He’s pretty relaxed and funny too. He’s a good guy, and pretty professional. He does his recovery and stays on top of his game and that’s why he’s been one of the best for us as a forward.
“He’s looking to always improve and get better as a player but outside of footy, he’s a laugh like most of those forwards. They’re crack-ups.
“I feel like he’s going to be great for us this year.”
Taking time away from the frantic pace and media scrutiny in Sydney has been a positive for the Roosters over the past week, however, Manu is fully aware of the task ahead.
They’re big, they’re strong – they’re not that good looking – but they’re one of the best packs in the league. Rolling off the back of them is really nice and to have them on our team.
Joseph Manu On the Roosters' forward pack
Getting the two competition points against a desperate Broncos outfit coming off consecutive losses will be no easy task, and the Kiwi ace will be relishing the opportunity to perform in front of a bumper crowd and spend more time with his teammates.
“They haven’t had the best start but neither have we,” he stated.
“For us, our focus is on building as a team. We started well last week and that’s something we want to build on.
“We get to hang out and keep building on those combinations and relationships. You get to spend a bit more time on that.
“With all that downtime you get to chill with your boys. I think the boys enjoy each other’s company and it’s really helping us.
“I enjoy coming up here. They love Rugby League up this way and it’s a one-town team so no doubt there’ll be a big turnout on Friday. These are the games that I look forward to.
“I’m fully focused on us and how we can improve. I felt like we did that well last week but there are more areas we need to work on and get better at.
“We’ll be looking to build on last week’s game.”
