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NRL 2022: Roosters star Joseph Manu stumped by season-defining question

Martin GaborNCA NewsWire
Joseph Manu celebrates one of his two tries. NRL Photos
Camera IconJoseph Manu celebrates one of his two tries. NRL Photos Credit: Supplied

Joseph Manu has all the answers on the field but one question remains a mystery and it could determine just how far the Roosters go in 2022.

He’s the world’s best centre, he’s a record-breaking fullback and he’s shown that he has all the natural talent to be an elite five-eighth, but the 26-year-old doesn’t know what his best position is.

Manu was out of this world in Saturday’s big win over the Dragons, scoring twice, setting up two more and busting 18 tackles to help the Roosters roar back into finals contention with seven rounds to go.

But Luke Keary’s impending return this Friday against the Knights will likely force Manu back to right centre where he could tear Newcastle apart given his hot run of form.

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Joseph Manu celebrates one of his two tries. NRL Photos
Camera IconJoseph Manu celebrates one of his two tries. NRL Photos Credit: Supplied

It’s a terrific problem for Robinson to have, but it’s also one that he’d like to solve as soon as possible because it’s clear that Manu simply needs the ball in his hands as much as possible.

“I actually don’t know,” Manu replied when asked what his favourite position was.

“I feel like I play the same in all those positions, but I just want to get around the ball. That’s how I think.

“I think the six and fullback are pretty similar because you always have to be around the ball, whereas centre is a bit different because you’ve got the insides creating for you.

“I don’t know where I want to play, but as long as I’m out there then I don’t really mind. I always try to play the same wherever I am, even when I’m at centre.

“I don’t think it changes (wherever I play). Robbo always talks to me about playing my style. He tells all the boys to bring what you’re good at.”

Manu leads the league with 109 tackle busts in 17 games this season, but in his three games at five-eighth and fullback this season, Manu has busted a whopping 48 tackles.

That number alone would have him 36th in the league in that category and highlights how destructive he is when he is given extra room in the middle against tiring forwards.

We saw that last month when he ran for a staggering 362 metres against Tonga while playing fullback for New Zealand, and that form has continued at club level.

Manu barged over for two tries from dummy-half on Saturday afternoon, kicked for another try and produced a magical flick pass to set up Victor Radley.

None of those plays were rehearsed and it’s why Robinson should seriously consider keeping Manu in the halves because there’s no way he’ll unseat Tedesco at the back.

“It’s awesome because I get around the ball,” Manu said on having the six on his back.

“I try to get around the ball whatever number I play in, and six allows that because you’re always in the game.

“It’s just my instincts. I just feel it. I look up and see who’s in front of me. I use my eyes, and that’s probably the biggest thing I do. I’m always looking at what’s in front of me.

“We have a system and how we want to play, but guys like Teddy and Sammy Walker are the same – they see what’s in front of them and they take the opportunities.”

Breaking up the halves pairing of Keary and Sam Walker seems unlikely now that Billy Smith is out for the season, which means Manu will have to go back to the centres.

But Robinson can rest easy knowing he has a guy like Manu he can call on to break a game wide open with one moment of magic wherever he is on the field.

“I’m really lucky to coach guys like Teddy and Joey,” the Roosters coach said.

“You don’t have to coach them much at all because they know the game better than you. You have to create an environment so they can perform; that’s all our job is.

“You don’t touch them too much because they look after themselves and you support them with an environment that allows them to play footy.

“Watching Joey and Teddy play is so good to watch.”

 

Originally published as NRL 2022: Roosters star Joseph Manu stumped by season-defining question

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