New Zealand coach Michael Maguire admits Joseph Manu will be front and centre when he assesses up to eight Test candidates on show in the NRL grand final.
On the back of some compelling form in the finals, Roosters centre Manu has surged into contention for a maiden Test jersey when the Kiwis face Australia next month.
The 22-year-old is one of potentially eight Kiwis hopefuls who Maguire will assess when the Roosters face Melbourne on Sunday.
Tokoroa-raised Manu has been the in-form New Zealander in the finals, having started all but one game this season - the one-point loss to the Storm in June.
The right-sided centre has been a defensive force, underlined by his 19 tackles and strong showing in shutting down South Sydney star Greg Inglis in the preliminary final.
Manu scored a fine try a week earlier against Cronulla, giving him five in his past nine games as his attacking talents have also begun to blossom.
It hasn't gone unnoticed by Maguire.
"Him being able to step up on the big stage is something I've seen in these last couple of weeks," Maguire told Newshub.
"Obviously, when you play in finals the intensity comes and the various pressures are different.
"I'd like to see it again in the grand final."
Maguire will early next week mane his squad and said the NRL decider will form a key part of his thinking.
Manu can make a late statement, along with starting Roosters forwards Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Isaac Liu, with all three having been named in Maguire's expanded Kiwis squad last month.
Jesse Bromwich is the only confirmed Storm starter in New Zealand contention but there are four potential Kiwis as interchange options - Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Kenny Bromwich, Brandon Smith and Jahrome Hughes.
