Roosters centre Joseph Manu has had a stellar 2018 season of rugby league.
Today he went back to where it all began - Tokoroa.
"Enjoyed growing up here and it gave me a lot as a kid, coming back here, trying to give back to this town means a lot to me," said Manu.
Like thousands of other Cook Island Maori families in the 50s, the Manu's came here for work at the local paper mill.
At the age of 22 Manu has achieved more than many do in an entire league career. He has won an NRL premiership and was part of the Kiwis team that defeated the Kangaroos in October.
"You get it after the game, it's pretty cool. I've always wanted one of these (premiership ring)."
Manu brought the 38 kilo NRL trophy with him to share with family, friends and the community of Tokoroa.
"It's known for being rough, and it gets a lot of bad wraps but yeah I just wanted them to celebrate, this town deserves a lot more I just wanted to make everyone happy here y'know.
"It's a great town and I know it will mean a lot to the kids here. We didn't really get much sports come down to us."
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