Tokoroa twosome hope to cap dream year by conquering Lions

Roosters teammates Joey Manu and Zane Tetevano are hoping to add one more highlight to an already successful 2019 when the Kiwis chase series honours against Great Britain on Saturday.

They helped the Roosters make it back-to-back NRL titles before teaming up in the Kiwis' 12-8 win over the Lions in the first Test on Saturday.

The pair, who hail from Tokoroa on New Zealand's north island, have spent three years together with the Sydney Roosters. They have also played two Tests together in the famous black-and-white jersey.

Tetevano, who turned 29 on Monday, was able to move on from the disappointment of not making the 17 for the Roosters grand final win by earning selection in Michael Maguire's side for the Test against Australia in Wollongong.

He played 44 minutes off the bench, making 26 tackles and running for 80 metres. He was then named as a starting prop for the Kiwis last weekend.

"It's pretty cool as we're from the same home town. It's good to see him get his debut the other week and then get to start," Manu told the NZRL website on Monday.

"He works very hard – one of the hardest trainers I've ever come across.

"I love playing with him. I've been playing with him the last few years now but to have him in the Kiwis jumper now, I'm just so proud of him."

As well as worrying about his own play for the Kiwis, Manu is helping to make Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad's transition from Raiders fullback to Kiwis left centre a little easier.

Nicoll-Klokstad, who was one of the finds of the 2019 NRL season, said Manu's assistance was most welcome.

"It's been different for me. I'm pretty lucky to have a teacher and superb centre like Joey Manu on the other edge," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"He's been giving me a few tips on what to improve on and what to look out for in defence and those sorts of things."

The 24-year-old has also enjoyed the space and opportunities that come with being on the same edge as halfback Benji Marshall and second-rower Kenny Bromwich.

The Kiwis had a pool recovery session in Christchurch on Monday before their first field session on Tuesday ahead of the team to meet the Lions in Christchurch being named.

Coach Michael Maguire has some selection dilemmas to unravel.

Dumped five-eighth Shaun Johnston is still with the squad and may get a recall after his replacement Kieran Foran injured his shoulder in the 12-8 win at Eden Park.

Then again, Maguire could stick with the pairing of Marshall and Jahrome Hughes.

Hughes came off the bench and played 74 minutes last Saturday after Foran's early exit.

Hooker is the other position with a question mark over it. Storm's Brandon Smith was named at No.9 but then 24 hours out, he was dropped for "not meeting team standards". 

Warriors Kodi Nikorima was summoned back from holidays in Queenstown and played all but four minutes against the Lions, making 53 tackles which topped the count from either team.