Front rower Dunamis Lui has tagged Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves as the man Manly will need to shut down if they are to avenge last year’s grand final heartache.
Carrying a reputation as one of the most feared front rowers in the league, the bustling Roosters enforcer has become target number one on Friday night.
He played a central role in the Roosters’ premiership success last season and will no doubt look to use his hulking frame once again to get on top of his opposition at Allianz Stadium.
“He’s a massive bloke and he’s very intimidating on the field,” Lui said.
“I think if we can try and get on top of them first before they can get on top of us, it will help our game out.”
Since making his NRL debut in 2010 with the Broncos, a series of knee and hip injuries has disrupted Lui’s development.
That was until he made the defining decision to move to Sydney’s northern beaches, where he has made an appearance in all of Manly’s opening fixtures.
“I feel a lot more comfortable on the field. I don’t know whether that’s because I’m getting more game time or because the boys I’m with, but I feel heaps more comfortable out there,”
Friday’s grand final rematch ranks as one of the biggest games Lui has been a part of and the sturdy front rower admits he is relishing the task of coming up against the reigning premiers.
“It’s very exciting. The Roosters are a great side across the board. I think it’s going to be a big challenge for me this weekend, especially up against their strong forward pack,” Lui said.
Having recently joined the club at the end of last season, Lui wasn’t a part of the side that lost the grand final to the Roosters, but declared redemption might play extra incentive for his teammates on Friday night.
“I’m pretty sure it will be in the back of their minds but we’re just looking forward to getting out there and try to get the two points,” Lui said.
