Manu becoming game’s best centre: Mitchell
Johnson hails Maguire’s impact
LATRELL Mitchell has boldly predicted Joey Manu will become the game’s best centre after conceding his Roosters teammate “won the battle” on Saturday night.
The close friends, who rose through the Roosters’ junior ranks together, came head to head for the first time during Australia’s loss to New Zealand on Saturday night. Just weeks after winning a premiership alongside each other, the duo squared off on the same side of the field.
While Mitchell had success early by setting up a try for winger Valentine Holmes it was Manu who finished on top in their respective Test debuts.
“I was proud of his performance but disappointed in myself for letting him play as well as he did,” Mitchell said. “I actually believe he can be the best centre in the game. I know I get the raps, but that’s not for me to say. The way he’s played the last two years, I’ve seen him grow as a player, he’s an unbelievable talent and the things he does I wish I could do.
“I’m happy to see him do well. He’s one of my brothers, we’re close, I enjoy watching him play. He’s a freak and you’re always on the edge of your seat.
“I think he can go to another level. He showed that. I got goosebumps playing against him.’’
Despite their intense showing, the pair shared a warm embrace after the match.
Manu said they spoke about their standing within the game.
“We said, ‘were the two best centres in the world’,” said Manu, who had about 150 friends and family watching him on. “I respect him so much, he’s so tough to defend.
“How we train is how we compete, we want to be the best, he’s the best centre I’ve played against and I know he’s the best centre in the game.
“We have a lot of respect for each other. We’ve grown up together and the way we train comes out on the field. We don’t like to be beaten. He beat me sometimes [on Saturday night] and I beat him sometimes.” MICHAEL Maguire’s professionalism and belief will ensure the Kiwis’ resurgence in international rugby league continues on his coaching watch.
That’s the assessment of halfback Shaun Johnson following New Zealand’s stunning 26-24 upset of world champions Australia at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
In just his second Test in charge, Maguire had the hosts fizzing in a dominant performance, which was a world apart from what the Kiwis offered under David Kidwell.
Johnson reckons it marks the start of a new era under former NRL premiershipwinning coach Maguire and New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Greg Peters, both appointed in the fallout from last year’s disastrous World Cup quarter-final exit.
Johnson said Australian Maguire’s preparation and belief in his players opened the eyes of long-standing members of the team.
“The work had started before we actually assembled. That alone, I haven’t had since I’ve been in this group,” the 26Test veteran said.
“Madge spoke about winning that many times, it was almost as if we won the game before we played it.”
Johnson’s bright touches were enough for him to be crowned man of the match although there were numerous teammates who would have challenged closely.
The 28-year-old playmaker was simply happy to perform in his first match since the Warriors were eliminated from the NRL finals by Penrith five weeks ago.