“I’ll play wherever the coach tells me. I see myself in the middle of the field,but it doesn’t have to be in the spine numbers,even if I’m playing centre I just want to be around the ball.

“We spoke about[a roaming role] a while ago. The first time we tried it wasin the 2018 grand final with Latrell (Mitchell) and I in that role.

“Then I obviously saw Tommy doing it (in Origin) and I took a lot out of that. I’ll do it here and there.

“We’ve talked about it a bit and it’s just up to me,how I’m feeling and trying to get myself involved in the game.

“If I do play centre I want to get in there,get my hands on the ball and create stuff. Sometimes in the centres you can go missing when it’s not your game,it’s easy to go quiet.”

Manu had been high on the recruitment wish lists of several rival clubs last year – most notably the Warriors – amid talk of a fullback move to drive his market value toward the $1 million mark.

Instead,he re-signed on a two-year deal,keeping him at Bondi until the end of 2024,speaking to the priorities he reiterated ahead of the Dragons clash.

“I’ve played a few positions and I just enjoy being out there,” Manu said.

“I’m not sure where I end up further down the track but I enjoy playing at No.6 the other night and I just enjoy putting on the Roosters jerseys – that’s special for me.”

After starting 2022 among the premiership favourites,a four-game losing run – albeit against the Raiders,Eels,Storm and Panthers – has left the Roosters 10th on the ladder.

Already six or seven wins from their last nine games will be needed for a finals appearance,with the looming returns of Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (hamstring) a sight for sore eyes,alongsideMatt Lodge’s mid-season move.

The controversial signing has been touted for a Roosters debut against the Dragons and played about 40 minutes for feeder club North Sydney on Saturday.

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