Clayton Faulalo wants to be like a sponge and shadow Tom Trbojevic, with fullback still the breakout Manly star’s preferred long-term position.
Faulalo’s development has been one of the highlights for Manly this season, going from a fill-in player at centre or wing to close to their best in multiple roles.
The 27-year-old will start at five-eighth again against the Warriors today, having impressed in two games at number 6 against Newcastle and St George Illawarra.
That came after the Samoan international started five games at fullback, scoring four tries and setting up another while filling in for Trbojevic.
The Sea Eagles remain open to what role he plays next season, with centre looking the most natural fit given Reuben Garrick‘s impending departure.
Faulalo does view that role as slightly different to fullback and five-eighth, where his passing game has stood out this season, but he is happy to slot in anywhere next year.
“I enjoy playing fullback, just with the free flow of footy,” Faulalo told AAP when asked of his preferred position.
“You can pop up wherever you want, kick returns and the staggered line. I enjoy that.
“But with Turbo at the back now, he is one of the best fullbacks in the world, so I am happy to bide my time and learn as much as I can off him.”
Faulalo is in no rush to make a full-time move to the back, with Kieran Foran having made clear the number 1 jersey is Trbojevic’s as long as he stays at Manly.
But that does give Faulalo the chance to learn from one of the best.
“I just want to be a sponge to Turbo,” Faulalo said.
“He is one of the smartest blokes in the game. He knows the game inside out, so I’m just soaking up like a sponge from him.”
Faulalo did play five-eighth as a youngster, before moving to fullback, where he felt he could play more free-flowing football.
Manly have decisions to make in their halves, with Faulalo impressing, Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large coming through, and Luke Brooks and Jamal Fogarty the experienced pair.
Faulalo set up three tries in the No.6 jersey last week, with Manly having scored 44 points against both the Knights and Dragons, with Faulalo the five-eighth and Trbojevic fullback
The versatile Faulalo believes having Trbojevic at fullback has helped, with the two playing a hybrid role in attacking sets and able to both act as a 1 and 6.
“I can just go out the back and sweep as a fullback and pop up as a half, and vice versa with Turbo too,” Faulalo saud.
“He’s the player to be able to do that with too.”
AAP
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