Following the Sydney Roosters' emphatic 38-4 win over the Newcastle Knights, Joseph Manu and Angus Crichton were full of praise for their side's performance in the face of adversity as they prepare to take on the Parramatta Eels on Friday night, with Manu set to play his 100th NRL match.
Facing the media on Monday morning, the duo cited their faith in their fellow squad members to step up after they were tested once again on Saturday night.
“It’s sad but we’ve got to pick ourselves up and move forward for this week," Manu stated.
"We’ve sort of had that for a while with injuries but we believe whoever is going to come in is going to do a job especially when they put on the Roosters colours. They don’t hand these jerseys out to anyone.
“Whoever puts it on is going to do their job and we feel confident standing next to that person."
Round 9 Media - Joey Manu
"It’s tough when you’re losing players but I think we’ve got a really tough side here and a tough squad," Crichton added.
“We’ve got so much faith in our team and we saw Matt Ikuvalu come in on the weekend. He’s one of the classiest wingers in the NRL and he’s stepping up into a position, and he’s capable of doing that job and he did that on the weekend.
We’ve got guys throughout our whole squad who might not be as hyped up or decorated but they’re quality football players and they’re more than willing and more than able to do a job.
Angus Crichton On the squad's depth and talent
“We’ve got guys throughout our whole squad who might not be as hyped up or decorated but they’re quality football players and they’re more than willing and more than able to do a job.
“In times like this, you rely on your whole squad and that’s the beauty of our sport. We’ll be right, we know what we’ve got to do."
Having played alongside Brett Morris since his arrival to the Club in 2019, Manu was full of praise for his winger, who he credits for contributing to his own game over the past three seasons.
“I’m grateful for everything he’s done for me for my career," he beamed.
"To have him out there next to me for the last three years, he’s helped me out a lot. He’s really improved me as a player and I’m grateful to have been next to him.
Round 9 Media - Angus Crichton
“He’s got so much experience obviously because he’s gone on for so long. He’s definitely helped me out a lot and improved me so much as a player. He made me feel confident every time I went out on the field.
“He’ll be helping around this year no doubt. He’s always in and around meetings and I still get advice from him and I’ll still have him next to me.
“He’s a great finisher and the best winger in my eyes."
In what will no doubt please Roosters Members and supporters and give plenty of motivation for the side, the 24-year-old centre will run out for his 100th NRL game against the Eels on Friday night, with Crichton lauding his contribution to the Club since debuting in 2016.
To have him out there next to me for the last three years he’s helped me out a lot. He’s really improved me as a player and I’m grateful to have been next to him.
Joseph Manu On Brett Morris' contribution to his career progression
“He’s a massive guy for us," Crichton said of Manu.
“He’s one of our unsung heroes. He’s a world-class fullback, world-class centre, he could probably play prop if he wanted to and we’re very lucky to have him in our side.
“He shows up every single week and is a great guy to have around training and to have in the squad. I love playing with Joey."
The quietly-spoken centre was humble in his response when asked about his upcoming achievement, quick to move on to other questions from the media.
“It has gone pretty fast I guess!” he laughed.
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