'I'll bring my own style': Manu vows to be Roosters No.1 man

Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu has declared himself ready to step into James Tedesco’s No.1 jersey and help lead the club’s late finals charge against Wests Tigers.

With Tedesco forced from the field with a head knock in Friday night’s 34-12 defeat of Parramatta, Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed Manu would play fullback in next Saturday’s must win match before taking on arch rivals South Sydney in the final round.

The Roosters need to win both matches to have any chance of snatching a place in the top eight and it is unclear how long Tedesco will be out for, despite being in good spirits as he left CommBank Stadium on Friday night.

However, Robinson has the luxury of being able to call on the 2022 IRL Golden Boot winner as international player of the year after starring for New Zealand at fullback, and Manu said he was excited by the prospect.

“I've played there a few times now, so I just try to have fun with it and enjoy it,” Manu said.

“Any opportunity I get to play there, I just want to do my best, play that Roosters style and then bring my own style, play tough and execute our game plan.

“I guess it's just a different challenge and I always enjoy different challenges when I get put there so it’s exciting.”

Asked what was different about moving from right centre to fullback, Manu said the pre-match preparation was more intense and he would also need to take on a greater leadership role in Tedesco’s absence.

However, the Kiwi superstar said he would play his own game at fullback, where he last year ran a record 401 metres in the mid-season Test against Tonga.

“Obviously Teddy's our captain and he's just constantly talking, always making you feel good and trying to get everyone wanting to go after the game so I feel that's a big part that we will miss but there's a few other players that can step up there,” Manu said.

“We know how much hard work he's put in and … I feel like he’s always up there with the best fullbacks in the game. I love playing next to him them and hopefully he can get right and get back out there soon.

“For me, it’s just all of the off-field stuff. I try to do that anyway, but it’s about getting that right and then obviously learning the game plan, what we are trying to achieve and then just adding my own style on top of that.”

After three consecutive wins, the Roosters are now back in finals contention and if they defeat Wests Tigers it is likely that their September 1 clash with the Rabbitohs would be for a place in the play-offs.

“We're just focused on what we need to do next week and beating the Tigers is what we want to do, so I look forward to that,” Manu said.