'Like I was playing in the backyard': Manu on magic try

Joey Manu's brilliant individual try in his side's first up 34-12 victory over Lebanon took the star fullback right back to his childhood in Tokoroa, New Zealand. 

The 56th-minute effort, which saw Manu show off his incredible array of skills to bamboozle multiple would-be defenders from the Cedars, is an early contender for try of the tournament.

It was part of a brilliant showing from the 26-year-old, which included two try assists, 216 run metres and 15 tackle breaks. 

When asked to describe the play, Manu said it felt like he was a kid again. 

"It was a quick play the ball, so I played that and it was the last [tackle], and I just felt like I was playing in the backyard at home with a few of my cousins and friends," Manu said. 

"I grew up playing backyard footy a lot and it sort of felt like a try from one of those games.

"We were in a tough period there [at the time] so it was nice to get over the line.

"They [Lebanon] played well, they played as a team. You have got to give credit.

"They've got a great coaching staff... it was definitely a solid game, they were pretty close there for a bit and they really gave it to us."

Manu's standout performance came after Kiwis coach Michael Maguire last week challenged him to become the best fullback at the World Cup, despite only playing there sparingly for his club side the Roosters, due to Kangaroos superstar James Tedesco having the No.1 jersey locked down. 

Post match Maguire echoed Manu's thoughts about combinations in the side being a little off, as the Kiwis struggled at times to break down the brave Lebanon defence. 

"That was probably the biggest thing I saw there, guys were jumping in and trying to take carries when normally we wouldn't," Maguire said. 

"That's time spent together. With all the Grand Final guys coming back and Joey Manu sort of coming back for the first time [since injury] with the team.

Joey was trying that hard, and sometimes that can play against you when you are trying to put certain plans on.

Michael Maguire

Meanwhile Maguire confirmed that both halfback Jahrome Hughes and prop Moses Leota are set to be available for New Zealand's second Group C match against Jamaica.

Hughes will have to pass further tests on a thigh injury, but Leota's groin issue isn't believed to be serious, and if required he could have taken the field against Lebanon.