Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has challenged star Joseph Manu to become the "best fullback" at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Manu will line up at the back in a star-studded New Zealand side to tackle Lebanon in their tournament opener at Warrington on Monday.
With the likes of Australia's James Tedesco, Samoa's Joseph Sua'a'li' and England's Sam Tomkins knocking about, Manu faces stiff competition to live up to his coach's vision.
But Maguire expects the Sydney Roosters star to be one of the tournament standouts, as the Kiwis look to win their first title since 2008.
"He's been excellent," Maguire said. "He could've probably played against Leeds but we felt the timing of what we have, getting him right.
"I can't wait to see him play throughout this tournament, I think he's going to be a real star, along with a number of players obviously.
"But we all know what he's capable of and now he's got his opportunity at fullback. I know he loves playing fullback, it's something we've spoken about.
"He's just in a team with a few other handy players, so they play him as a bit of a dual-role there in club land as a fullback.
"But now that he can actually own it, I think we're going to see some real good performances from Joey Manu.
"In my mind, he's a fullback. I'd like to see him become the best fullback in the tournament - that would be something nice for Joey to be able to achieve.
"I'm sure that he's ready to go."
While Manu's position at fullback is solidified, many of his Kiwis teammates can expect to shuffle around as the World Cup progresses.
None more so than veteran Kieran Foran, who Maguire will be looking to call upon on, off and around the field.
"He's going to be very handy for us," Maguire said. "Kieran can play in the halves, play as a No.9, and give Brandon [Smith] a spell.
"Also too - you might even see him in the middle of the park at some stage, playing a different style that we want to play.
"Kieran gives us quite a bit of versatility and the thing for Kieran is his experience. Just listening to him around camp.
"It's a fantasy story - his journey, but he's really taken on a leadership role in the group and he's great to coach, Kieran. You tell him once and he will just go about what he needs to, he rallies the boys around.
"To have someone of his experience in and around the players is excellent, but also as a player, we will be able to use him in a bit of a versatility role as well."
Check out the Rugby League World Cup live on Spark Sport or free-to-air on Three, or join us at 7:30am Monday for live updates of the Kiwis v Lebanon pool encounter.
