After a superb solo performance last weekend, Joseph Manu is looking forward to facing off the Melbourne Storm as the Roosters return to the SCG this Saturday night.
Brushing off the disappointing loss in Canberra on Sunday, Manu confirmed that the squad had been quick to begin their preparations as they face the second-place Storm.
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As always, the dynamic Kiwi is looking forward to testing himself against the Tricolours' modern-day rivals, made all the more exciting at their hallowed home ground.
“It’s going to be a big one,” Manu stated.
“At the SCG there’s always a good turnout there and I’m sure the fans are looking forward to it.
“For us, we’ve been working a little bit and we’ve got to pick up our game. They’re a top-two side.
“It’s early in the week and been pretty light but we’ve picked up on some things that we need to improve.
“We’ve got to be on our game and we’ve got to be a lot better, but we’re looking forward to it.
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“We’re looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can bring it on Saturday night.”
With four Roosters selected in the State of Origin squads for Game I, Manu was pleased to see the likes of James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou and Lindsay Collins return to the arena.
While he won't be playing tomorrow night, it was his namesake and right-side partner in Joseph Suaalii that has him most excited in what is a thrilling time for the teenage winger.
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“He played with us at the weekend just gone,” he said.
“We got to chat to him about how camp was going, I was happy for him. I was stoked that he got chosen in the squad.
“There’s a lot of good players, the best players in the state so I think he’ll learn a lot from them.
“He seems like he’s enjoying it, obviously with Toops and Teddy there helps but I’m just going to enjoy watching them tomorrow night.
“Hopefully they have a good game and I’ll be supporting them and also Lindsay too.”
Deputising for Tedesco on Sunday at fullback, Manu was a one-man wrecking ball, notching up nearly 300 metres, fourteen tackle breaks, a linebreak assist and a try assist.
The 25-year-old touched on the differences between the custodian's role and his regular role of fullback, having deputised on multiple occasions in the Red, White and Blue.
“It’s a lot different,” he said.
“There’s a lot of freedom in that role. You can play all over the park and run around the field. I enjoy it.
“It’s a bit of a challenge for myself but I’m lucky I’ve got good coaches like Robbo (Trent Robinson) that help me out and obviously the best fullback – or best player – in the game in Teddy.
“I learn off them, but when I get in that position I play my own style and I enjoy it.”
