Roosters star Joey Manu has put his arm around teammate Sam Walker and revealed the lessons he learned from being dropped in 2017.
Walker, 20, was axed for their Anzac Day clash against the Dragons, which saw Luke Keary move to halfback and Manu wear the No. 6 jersey.
Keary was man-of-the-match while Manu also saw plenty of action and coach Trent Robinson has picked them again in the halves to face the Warriors on Sunday.
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If the Roosters keep winning, it’s expected Walker will spend a prolonged period in reserve grade just as Manu did at the back end of 2017.
Manu, 26, revealed he spoke to Walker following the unceremonious axing last week and backed the young gun to return a better player.
“Yeah we had a little chat, it’s tough for Sammy but I feel like he’s a kid that’s going to work on what he needs to work on and he’ll be back soon,” Manu said.
“I’ve been playing next to him for a while now so I really want to see him back in there and I’ll always support him and help him out with what he needs.
“Missing the finals (in 2017) was tough, I just wanted to be a part of that and obviously I had a good run after that. I just feel like every time you pull on the jersey you can’t take it for granted, you’ve got to turn up every day.
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“So I feel like I learned a lot and Sammy will learn a lot too and come back a better player.”
Manu scored a try against the Dragons and threw the pass for Keary to hit the winning field goal, while also running for 95 metres from 13 carries.
“I was ok, I feel like I’ve got a lot to learn in the No. 6 jersey,” Manu said.
“When you’re named at centre you’ve got to find your way into the game but when you’re named at No. 6 you’re already in the game then you play your style on top of that.
“Whenever I get the ball I feel pretty good so the more times I get my hand on the ball I’ll get better.
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“Learning those combos with Brandon (Smith) and (Keary) in the spine there, it was a good start but lots to improve on.”
Manu believes his future at the Roosters is in the No. 6 jersey, and he could also transition there for New Zealand with superstar fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returning to the NRL next year.
“Yeah I think so, I mean I’m anywhere aye as long as I’m out there but I did enjoy it out there today in the No. 6 so hopefully I get a few more games there,” Manu said.
“I feel like I’ll get better each game but just happy to be out there in a Roosters jersey.
“Hopefully I can string a few consistent games together and feel like I’m getting better.”
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