Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has challenged Joseph Manu to use the Rugby League World Cup as an opportunity to show that he is one of the world’s best fullbacks, despite hardly getting to play there at NRL level.
It is a lofty goal - especially considering the Kangaroos have James Tedesco, the player who keeps Manu out of the No.1 jersey at the Roosters and who is widely considered the game’s best fullback - but it's one Maguire sees as achievable.
Manu has been named at fullback in a full-strength New Zealand squad named to take on Lebanon on Monday morning.
“I’d like to see him become the best fullback in the tournament. That would be something nice for Joey to achieve,” Maguire said.
I can’t wait to see him play at this tournament. I think he’s going to be a real star.
Michael Maguire
“We all know what he’s capable of and now he’s got his opportunity at fullback.
“I know he does love playing fullback, it’s something we have spoken about, he’s just in a [Roosters] team that’s also got a few other handy players, so they play him in a bit of a dual role there at club land.
“Now that he can own it, I think we are going to see some really good performances from Joey Manu.”
Manu the magnificent
In this year’s mid-season Test against Tonga, Manu stole the show and set a new record for most run metres in an international/first-grade match with 401, while he has impressed at club level in recent years when called upon to fill in for Tedesco at the back as well.
Now in his seventh season as an NRL player, and approaching his 10th Test for the Kiwis, Manu has become one of the leaders in Maguire’s group and this week spoke about some of the expectations being placed on the side.
In the modern era no Kiwis team has entered a World Cup with more hype surrounding them, with a squad that, on paper at least, appears to match up with any other in the tournament, and the added pressure of being the current No.1 ranked side in the world.
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But Manu said it all means nothing if there isn’t a World Cup victory to show for it.
“It’s the now for us, we are the ones in the Kiwi jumper and it’s up to us to write our own history in this jersey,” Manu said.
“I believe in this team. I feel like we have got a good side here and it’s just about putting these pool games together. We are excited… we have just got to deliver on the paddock.
“There are a lot of great players playing for different teams and that’s the exciting thing with this World Cup, it’s probably the most competitive yet.”