By Dan Walsh
Regardless of the number on his back, Joey Manu plans to feature among Trent Robinson’s playmakers as he eyes a Tom Trbojevic-style roving role to capitalise on his career-best form.
Manu’s starring role at five-eighth in a last-start loss to the Panthers had Immortal Andrew Johns declaring it his best position, flagging a three-into-two halves headache including Luke Keary and Sam Walker.
Keary trained with the Roosters on Sunday before what is hoped to be his return from concussion symptoms against the Dragons on Saturday.
Given Keary had been in line to play against Penrith only to be held back by repeated headaches and medical advice, no definitive call will be made on the 30-year-old until closer to game day. Even then a comeback straight into the starting side is not guaranteed.
Manu’s impressive showings whenever he has shifted to fullback or five-eighth have raised questions of both a permanent move from centre and how best to use him given James Tedesco’s mortgage on the No.1 jumper and Keary’s standing at the club.
With 37 touches against Penrith and a career-high 42 at fullback against Canberra in round 13, Manu all but doubled his season average of 19.9 receipts a game.
Luke Keary’s continued headaches have been a concern for the star playmaker.Credit: NRL Photos
That figure is well-down on the 24.4 touches he enjoyed last season, likely a symptom of the Roosters surprise 7-9 campaign to date, and has prompted Manu’s bid to emulate Trbojevic’s roving approach when playing centre for NSW.
“I just play how I play in any number,” Manu said after returning from a bye week spent in New Zealand.
“I’ll play wherever the coach tells me. I see myself in the middle of the field, but it doesn’t have to be in the spine numbers, even if I’m playing centre I just want to be around the ball.
“We spoke about [a roaming role] a while ago. The first time we tried it was in the 2018 grand final with Latrell (Mitchell) and I in that role.
“Then I obviously saw Tommy doing it (in Origin) and I took a lot out of that. I’ll do it here and there.
“We’ve talked about it a bit and it’s just up to me, how I’m feeling and trying to get myself involved in the game.
“If I do play centre I want to get in there, get my hands on the ball and create stuff. Sometimes in the centres you can go missing when it’s not your game, it’s easy to go quiet.”
Manu had been high on the recruitment wish lists of several rival clubs last year – most notably the Warriors – amid talk of a fullback move to drive his market value toward the $1 million mark.
Instead, he re-signed on a two-year deal, keeping him at Bondi until the end of 2024, speaking to the priorities he reiterated ahead of the Dragons clash.
Joseph Manu starred at fullback for New Zealand last month, running for almost 400 metres against Tonga.Credit: Getty
“I’ve played a few positions and I just enjoy being out there,” Manu said.
“I’m not sure where I end up further down the track but I enjoy playing at No.6 the other night and I just enjoy putting on the Roosters jerseys – that’s special for me.”
After starting 2022 among the premiership favourites, a four-game losing run – albeit against the Raiders, Eels, Storm and Panthers – has left the Roosters 10th on the ladder.
Already six or seven wins from their last nine games will be needed for a finals appearance, with the looming returns of Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (hamstring) a sight for sore eyes, alongside Matt Lodge’s mid-season move.
The controversial signing has been touted for a Roosters debut against the Dragons and played about 40 minutes for feeder club North Sydney on Saturday.
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