Sydney Roosters centre pairing Joseph Manu and Josh Morris are both looking forward to representing the Club and community for Indigenous Round as the team travels up to the Central Coast on Saturday for their clash with the Canberra Raiders.
With four Indigenous students from the School to Work program visiting Roosters HQ on Monday to meet and greet the playing squad, Manu and Morris said they are proud to be wearing the 2021 Indigenous Jersey and are determined to play for the Club's young representatives on Saturday night.
“It’s good, especially for the Indigenous kids," Manu said of Indigenous Round.
“Some of the best players in the NRL get to wear Indigenous designs on their team’s jerseys, so it’s about representing those little kids and our Indigenous staff members here as well.
“To be able to represent those kids is a real opportunity and it’s pretty special so I’m really looking forward to this round."
Round12 Media - Joseph Manu
“I love the round,” Morris added.
“It’s recognising our Indigenous players, and there are so many in the game and so many who have come before us. There are some wonderful players and great players to watch and we get to represent them this week.
“We had the artist of our jersey come in and heard a bit about his story. It makes it a bit more personable when you know the person and you’re out representing them as well.
“It’s a great chance for the players to go up there and represent the Roosters on the Central Coast.
We normally get a pretty good crowd there and against a pretty good opposition there in the Raiders. Hopefully, we get a really good crowd and put on a show."
The amount of messages he’s received from not only Australia but all over the world just shows the type of player he is and the way he went about his work and inspired a lot of people.
Josh Morris On brother Brett
With teenager Joseph Suaalii making his NRL debut on the weekend, taking Morris' position at left centre, Manu said he was proud of his young centre partner after making a solid start to his first-grade career as he juggles studying for the HSC and training commitments.
“It was good to see him get his first game, it was a good start for him,” Manu said.
“I thought he played well. He was really strong in defence and also attack so I’m looking forward to seeing him play some more games.
“He enjoys being out there and playing alongside the boys. He’s been working hard all year, he deserves it and I’m just looking forward to seeing him grow as a player and person.
Round12 Media - Josh Morris
“I think it’s probably been tough with school but he’s handling it well. He hasn’t complained at all, he comes in a bit earlier to do tutoring and he just gets everything done and then he comes to training.
“He’s really found his place and I guess we just get along. He’s pretty nice and humble so it’s pretty easy to get along with him."
To be able to represent those kids is a real opportunity and it’s pretty special so I’m really looking forward to this round.
Joseph Manu On Indigenous Round
Morris also gave a timely update on brother Brett, who has begun his coaching prerequisite as he undergoes ACL rehabilitation, having received a ton of support from Roosters and Rugby League supporters alike.
“He’s doing a bit more coaching which has taken his focus," Josh explained.
“He’s going alright, he’s just been doing a lot of video work and helping the outside backs with their game.
“The amount of messages he’s received from not only Australia but all over the world just shows the type of player he is, the way he went about his work and how he inspired a lot of people.
“It’s a very humbling experience for him definitely and it makes me proud of him. It’s been overwhelming for Brett.”
More Indigenous News and Stories on Roosters.com.au
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School to Work Students and Sydney Roosters Celebrate Reconciliation Week and Indigenous Round
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