Suli back in Hasler's good books but battling weight issues

Manly centre Moses Suli is a man of few words so he isn't giving away much when it comes to why coach Des Hasler dropped from first grade.

The official reason was 'disciplinary performance standards'. The unofficial reason will never be known it seems.

 "It was just a speed bump. I just got carried away a bit. I'm going to keep that between Des and me," Suli said.

The 20-year-old missed the win over South Sydney in round four but made it back into the NRL side for the win over the Knights and will be on the park again on Saturday for round six against the Dragons in Wollongong.

It's not as if the whole episode has been forgotten, especially by Suli.

"I was disappointed in myself because I wanted to play every game this year – that was one of my goals.

"I guess I've just got to move forward, leave that behind, and keep going."

Hasler ruled out any behavioural issues, such as lateness for training, or alcohol abuse.

Suli did say his one-match punishment had nothing to do with tipping the scales a little too heavily.

"No, not my weight… just personal things."

However, he was far more open about his struggles with the right diet and at the right times.

"I did put on a couple of kilos in the off-season. When I came back they [Manly training staff] got straight into me," Suli said.

"I'm playing at 112 kilos now but I'm trying to drop a bit. When I debuted [at Wests Tigers in 2017] I was 108 so I want to get down there again.

"I just get carried away, especially in the off-season, I just go for gold – whatever I find I just eat. I'm still learning."

Pressed a little harder on what he actually bulked up to in the off-season and Suli confessed it was more than "a couple of kilos".

"I was 124 kilos I think."

Still his weight battles don't seem to be affecting his defence. He is happy with the improvements being made in that area.

"My defence," he said when asked what was the one thing Hasler wanted him to knuckle down on.

"But I've been working on it. It's always been a struggle for me. I wasn't a good defender growing up.  I'm happy with the way I'm going – I just want to keep backing it up.

"It's been good so far."