The NHRU's two-time Anderson Medal-winner graduated to first grade in Christchurch straight out of school and spent five years playing professionally in Italy before touching down in Newcastle in 2013.

On Saturday, the game-breaking centre will make his Shute Shield debut for the Hunter Wildfires against undefeated Gordon at No.2 Sportsground.

Manu comes in for Angus Brown in one of two changes from the 50-10 defeat to Northern Suburbs. Ben Ham, who played off the bench against Norths after missing training due to work commitments, replaces Piers Morrell at blindside breakaway.

"I only came into the program four weeks ago," Manu said. "Initially, I was busy with work and my little one and I was doing stuff with Uni rugby club. The hunger was still there. I went to a couple of Wildfires training sessions and really enjoyed it.

"Everyone gets stuck in. It's a challenge. I didn't want to miss out and look back and say I wish I had given it a go.

"It's a great opportunity for the young guys to learn and test themselves at the next level.

"I do two sessions a week at Hunter Sports High. Rather than go to Sydney when they have finished school, they can stay here and still get exposure against better competition. If you want to be the best you have to compete against the best."

Although in the twilight of his career, Manu, is supremely fit.

"I have gotten smarter as I have gotten older," the 37-year-old said. "When I was young it was all about playing and then going out. Now it's about recovery. I don't want to lose my speed and my fitness so I am on top of it."

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Manu was players' player in second grade last round, before setting up a try off the bench and providing a spark in the top grade.

"He gives us a different point of attack but he also gives us another organiser out wide," coach Scott Coleman said. "He can communicate with the nine and ten. The ten can just concentrate on getting the forwards playing. Carl will let him know when he wants the ball. He brings an immense amount of energy and thinks outside the box. That's what you need against these well-organised defences. You have to throw something different at them.

"Away from footy he is a genuine guy. You might have a conversation with him at the beach. He will ask questions and listen to your part of the conversation. That comes across in his footy. He is always about the team."

Manu simply wants to "take a bit of the load" off the younger players and encourage them to express themselves.

"The teams we play against are used to this level and the speed of the game," he said. "Our guys just need to relax. I can be another voice out wide.

"People forget that it is a new group. I want the guys to play rugby and be confident. We not there just to make the numbers. We just have to have a go. When it is on to play, lets play. I don't want them to be in their bubble and be too scared to try something. Open up and express themselves a bit more."

Wildfires: 1 Dave Puchert, 2 Phil Bradford, 3 Nick Dobson, 4 Adam Edwards, 5 Seva Rokobaro, 6 Ben Ham, 7 Shawn Ingle, 8 George Noa, 9 Mahe Fungupo, 10 Michale Moloney, 11 Rob Buserau, 12 Taulogo Lalaga, 13 Carl Manu, 14 Nimi Qio, 15 Chad Northcott.

** It may not be the Wallabies but high level rugby will return to Newcastle on September 5 when the Western Force take on the Melbourne Rebels at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The clash is the final round of Super Rugby Australia and replaces the Test between Australia and Argentina which was to be held in Newcastle on the same date.

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