As he races the clock to be declared fit for Round 1, Roosters star Joey Manu has been using his time on the sideline to mentor Joseph Suaali'i ahead of the teenage sensation’s move to the centres in 2023.
Manu suffered a facial fracture at training earlier this month and is yet to resume contact training ahead of the season kicking off next week, but indicated the worst-case scenario would be a Round 2 return.
Amid the disappointment caused by the injury, which ruled him out of representing the Māori All Stars, Manu, who is a reigning Dally M Centre of the Year and Golden Boot Award winner, has been working hard to help Suaali'i learn the intricacies of his new position.
“He’s still learning that role, so I try to help him out, especially in defence because it’s a bit difference to wing defence,” Manu said of his centre partner.
“But we know what he brings in attack and I am just looking forward to seeing how he goes this year.
Suaalii's flick finds Manu for a try
"He’s been good, he’s had the whole pre-season there so I have had a few chances to go up against him.
“It’s nice to have a good centre on that side with a bit of strike, and obviously you have got ‘Kez’ (Luke Keary) there that’s been there for a while.
I think the left edge is going to be pretty strong this year. I feel like Joey [Suaali'i] is going to be good on that left edge, which will bring a lot of attack on both sides.
Joey Manu
In his first full season at NRL level last year, Suaali'i scored 15 tries and averaged 138 run metres on the wing and was named in the Dally M Team of the Year.
He later went on to star for Toa Samoa at fullback, helping the island nation to their first ever World Cup final.
Roosters captain James Tedesco said Manu's influence has helped ensure Suaali'i has hit the ground running this pre-season in his new role.
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"He's learning off one of the best in Joey Manu and they are obviously really close on and off the field," Tedesco said.
"He's made the transition really quickly. Sometimes it takes a lot of time for a young guy to learn a new role, especially centre.
"He looks really dangerous. I am expecting a big year from him.
Another week, another Suaalii highlight reel
"As a team we love him out there in the centres. We just want to get his hands on the ball as much as possible."
Suaali'i failed a HIA during the Roosters' second Pre-season Challenge match against the Sea Eagles last weekend, but is expected to be fit to play in Round 1.
Tedesco also confirmed five-eighth Luke Keary had resumed full training after suffering a head knock earlier this month and will be ready for the club's first game.