Roosters hoping Joey Manu switch to No.6 will reignite season

The Sydney Roosters will move Joseph Manu to five-eighth in a bid to reignite the Tricolours’ stuttering season against premiers Penrith on Friday night.

Sources with knowledge of the situation told the Herald that Manu trained at five-eighth on Wednesday and is expected to make the switch into the halves to cover for Luke Keary’s absence.

Sam Walker (right) is expected to link up with Joey Manu in the halves for the Roosters.Credit:NRL Photos

Keary is still recovering from a head knock suffered a couple of weeks ago, with the Roosters erring on the side of caution and resting the playmaker given they have the bye next week.

Manu was sensational at fullback for New Zealand in last week’s Test match against Tonga, running for almost 400 metres in the victory at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.

It’s likely Paul Momirovski will play at centre, with coach Trent Robinson expected to resist the temptation of moving teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii from the wing.

Suaalii had a personal battle with Panthers enforcer Viliame Kikau the last time the teams squared off this year.

Suaalii put a massive hit on Kikau, forcing the Panthers back-rower to spill the ball.

“I told him that was a good shot bro,” Kikau said before the rematch.

“I went after him after that. I went looking for him the whole game. As soon as the whistle goes we’re all mates off the field. It’s footy. That’s what we love to do … compete. This week we get another chance.

“It was a good battle on the left edge there. I think I still can still feel that shot he put on me. He’s a big dude. I watched him on TV but to see him live on the field, he looks massive. He’s the same height as me or taller. He’s a good bloke. After it, he came up to see if I was all right.”

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