Kiwis coach Michael Maguire heralded the selection of Roosters centre Joseph Manu, having handed him his first international call-up today.
After a breakout season in the NRL, culminating in a premiership title last night, Manu, 22, will make his Kiwis debut against Australia at Mt Smart later this month, with his coach excited to see what he can do.
"He's been able to step up right through the finals series," Maguire said.
"He's been able to take a step every single time he's been put on the big stage.
"That's what your looking for. These boys will be playing on the big stage in a couple of weeks' time.
"Being able to see a young player like that step in and play in the finals, and play the way he did, I'm looking forward to bringing him into the squad."
The Kiwis face the Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium on October 13.
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