It's the healthy rivalry driving three of Manly's most talented natural young centres
A rivalry that Brian Kelly, Brad Parker and Moses Suli enjoy just as much as the light banter they have with each other off the training paddock.
Kelly's 13 tries in 38 appearances for Manly over the past two seasons - including five in 15 games this year - has seen him entrenched in the centres. His brilliant solo try against the Canberra Raiders in round 12 this season highlighted his natural speed and elusive footwork.
Parker has played eight games this season – four in the centres, two on the wing, and two off the interchange bench – to take his first grade career tally to 16 matches and five tries.
Suli has played six games in the centres for Manly this season after only joining the club in March from the Canterbury Bulldogs. He has now played 22 NRL games for three tries.
Parker said he was enjoying the healthy competition with Kelly and Suli.
"Moses is a really good asset to the team, especially attacking wise. He is a big unit with a bit of speed behind him,'' Parker said.
Moses is a really good asset to the team, especially attacking wise. He is a big unit with a bit of speed behind him
Brad Parker
"It is good for myself and Brian to have Moses here as it keeps that competitive nature between us. We all want that centre spot as it is our preferred position."
Parker said 20-year-old Suli was starting to show his true character after taking time to settle into his new club.
"I think he said three words over the first three months,'' Parker joked.
"Moses is starting to get a bit cheeky now and is warming up to the boys.
"He is a really good bloke and one you can share a laugh with."
Kelly echoed Parker's sentiments about the quietly spoken Moses.
"He has a slight little cheeky side to him now and he plays a few pranks on the boys which is good to see,'' Kelly said.
"You can tell Moses is happy here at Manly. As soon as he got his crack at first grade again, he was stoked and just happy to get out on the field.
"Big 'Mo' is powerful and strong. The scary thing is that he is only going to get bigger and better."
Suli said he was enjoying his footy at Manly, crediting team-mates Addin Fonua-Blake and Manase Fainu for their support that sees the trio leaving Sydney's west around 5.30am for training to ensure they beat the heavy morning traffic.
"I am grateful for what Addin and Manase have done for me,'' Suli said.
"I'm loving it here at Manly. We have got a good bunch of blokes and I'm enjoying training and doing whatever I can for the team.
"There are plenty of things I still have to learn about my game."
