Few people know how Sam Walker feels at the moment better than Joseph Manu.
The reigning Golden Boot holder suffered the same fate as his Roosters teammate back in 2017, and in the sheds after the Chooks’s 27-26 Anzac Day victory over the Dragons, revealed that he had spoken to Walker about his demotion.
“It’s tough for Sammy,” said Manu. “But he’s a kid that’s going to work on what he needs to work on and he’ll be back soon. I’ve been playing next to him for a while so I want to see him back in there and I’ll always support him and help him out with what he needs.”
He added that the experience of playing reserve grade had done him good in the long run, even though it meant missing the 2017 finals series after playing in 16 games that year.
Instead of playing the NRL finals, Manu went all the way to the NSW Cup Grand Final with Wyong in a team that featured current teammates Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher and Paul Momirovski, eventually losing to a Panthers team with Jarome Luai, Viliame Kikau, Maika Sivo and Moses Leota in their ranks.
“I learned a lot there,” he said of his time at Wyong.
“Missing the finals was pretty tough, I wanted to be a part of that. I had a good run after that but I feel like every time I pull on the jersey I don’t take it for granted.
“You have to turn up every game. I learned a lot and Sammy will learn a lot too, he’ll come back a better player.”
Now, Manu is looking to cement his place in a spine with Luke Keary back at halfback – in Walker’s place – as well as new recuit Brandon Smith and captain James Tedesco.
“I feel like I’ve got a lot to learn in the 6 jersey, building those combos with Kez, Brandon and Teddy,” he said.
“But it was OK. It was a good to start. A lot to improve on. I’m anywhere, as long as I’m out there, but I did enjoy it out there in the 6.
“Hopefully I can get a few more games out there and I’ll get better each game. There’s a lot to learn. Once I hopefully string a few consistent games together, I feel like it’ll get better.
Manu has deputised at 6 before, but never for a consistent run of games. His longest stint in the spine has been at fullback when Tedesco has played Origin, as well as for New Zealand.
“Similar to fullback, you get that roaming style,” said of playing five eighth. “It’s not much different. It was nice to play on both sides and connect with different players on different edges.
The Roosters pay their respect during the Anzac Day ceremony. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
“You get a lot more ball at 6. When you get named at centre, sometimes you have to find your way into the game but when you’re named at 6 you’re already in the game and then it’s how you play it.
“You’re always in the game and then you play your style on top of it. Whenever I get the ball I feel good so the more times I get my hands on the ball, the better.
“I felt like we were playing pretty well in attack. Our defence needs a lot of improvement but it felt fast and there was a lot of boys wanting the ball. I was running on the back of great carries and fast ruck speed. That’s what we like, to play that Roosters style.
“It’s a bit different with not many yardage carries, but a lot of yardage support. Then when you get down to good ball, you get to play footy.”
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
I think Walker's demotion to reserve grade had more to do with his combination with Keary because up until that point, Keary's form wasn't much better than Walker's. Also, at this stage of Keary's career, he's better suited to the #7 jumper. And they had to Manu more involved. So Walker essentially had to go unfortunately, but I can see him working his way back into the side via the #14 jumper.
mushi
Roar Guru
Watching Sam’s last few games I think what robbo is looking for is the opposite of the news.com rhetoric. He threw an intercept vs the sharks because he didn’t back himself on his harbour bridge pass. His kicking game looks like a guy who can’t decide between 2-3 options. But the kid wouldn’t be able to drink the the US. Giving him a run at lower levels is a sensible ploy. As I said it looks very different to Flanagan. Kyle suffered from not having an elite skill and always seemed to coast a little. Walker seems to be trying too hard and definitely and has the opposite of big pluses and bid weaknesses. A coach would much rather that.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I claimed a fair while back that Ted had turned into a workhorse and not a matchwinner. Everything that has happened since has backed up my claims. I've never claimed that he's rubbish, so no need to carry on with that nonsense. Dylan Edwards looks more dangerous than Ted as do plenty of other fullbacks. Even Turbo has scored 5 tries to Teds 1 and Turbo has been way below his best. If Ted starts winning games for his teams like he used to then I'll drop the workhorse tag but until then , I'll stick to my guns.
Nat
Roar Guru
I wonder what it is that Robbo is looking for in dropping Walker? It is a real benefit having a talent like Manu to fill the role but it does weaken two positions. Neither can do what the other can and Momo is a real step down. Now they have lost Tupou I would be looking to move Suaalii to the wing. Against the Warriors in NZ this week isn't the gimme it once was.
mushi
Roar Guru
Walker's biggest issue his last two matches was his kicking game though he also started to lose some of his flair. I get dropping him from a 2-3 year plan perspective versus win now. He's very young and giving him a chance to work on that for a few weeks may help (his long kicking looked massively improved earlier). It's very different to Flanagan.
mushi
Roar Guru
I do love that you keep extolling how rubbish he's been after topping the yardage count.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Roar Rookie
Actually IMO I thought that the Roosters attack was a bit clunky without Walker there. I know Manu is a good player and merit his worth. But Walker even though he is young and not near as big he makes the attack smooth. He may lack a little in defence that Manu does better but IMO Walker is better in attack. Perhaps the Roosters might be better to devise a action plan to bring Manu into the attack from centre and utilise his assets better than they have done in the past at centre. This season Roosters have not been at their best, however I did not think that Walker was to blame.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Despite the Roasters having the best roster on paper , I suspect a lot more might fall on Manus shoulders than he thought this season. Ted is playing but he is a shadow of his former tackle busting self and if it's a genuine decline, which is here to stay, then the prospects for his club and state are in some sort of peril , I'd say.