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Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu says he has forgiven Latrell Mitchell for the brutal tackle that ended his season and vowed they will remain friends.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Kiwi centre reveals he has accepted an apology from his old premiership-winning teammate and declared it is time to move on.
"I was gutted when it happened but it's time to let it go and everyone move on," Manu said.
"I'm doing well, I'm feeling heaps better and just on Panadol for the pain.
"The support I've had from Roosters fans and other clubs for that matter has been overwhelming. I couldn't be more grateful."
Typical of the person that he is, Manu expressed his concern for Mitchell from the abuse directed at the South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar and his family since the incident last Friday night.
"Latrell reached out to me (via a text) straight after the game and apologised," Manu said.
"I replied to him and checked he was all right. He's copped a bit of criticism and stuff. He's got family too. It's tough to see how much he's been copping and I wish him all the best.
"He's been a mate of mine for a long time and still is."
Manu's recovery was tested on the day after surgery in his Brisbane hospital when Canterbury Bulldogs forward and ex-Roosters teammate Dylan Napa wandered into his ward with a bucket of KFC.
"It was quite funny," Manu said. "I'm eating okay but it's supposed to be soft food.
"I couldn't have much but it was nice of him. I had a few nuggets with mashed potato and gravy."
This was just 24 hours after surgeons used three metallic plates and 12 screws to repair the shocking fractured cheekbone that ended his season.
The pain from missing out on the big end of season games was as bad as that of the actual injury.
"I've always loved playing in the finals and all the big games," he said, "that's why I was so gutted.
"I started thinking about my family and my partner.
"Then over the weekend, Nick (Politis). He cares so much for his players and he was shattered.
"I'm very fortunate to have my partner in Queensland and people like Nick looking after me and making sure everything will be okay."
Manu stayed on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday night while the Roosters travelled to Mackay for the match against the Canberra Raiders.
He has vowed to stay with the team until their final game.
"I'm keen to help out with the boys and the coaching staff wherever I can," Manu said.
"It's a pretty young team because of all our injuries. I'll be around at training, video sessions and just there if anyone wants a chat."
He is also keen that rugby league parents stay supportive and don't judge the game on one incident.
"Obviously it didn't look too good," he said, "Sometimes things like this are going to happen.
"I love this game and I'd hate something like this could discourage kids from playing.
"Honestly, I'm treating it now as a little hiccup. And as I keep saying, it's time to move on."
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Kiwi centre reveals he has accepted an apology from his old premiership-winning teammate and declared it is time to move on.
"I was gutted when it happened but it's time to let it go and everyone move on," Manu said.
"I'm doing well, I'm feeling heaps better and just on Panadol for the pain.
"The support I've had from Roosters fans and other clubs for that matter has been overwhelming. I couldn't be more grateful."
Typical of the person that he is, Manu expressed his concern for Mitchell from the abuse directed at the South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar and his family since the incident last Friday night.
"Latrell reached out to me (via a text) straight after the game and apologised," Manu said.
"I replied to him and checked he was all right. He's copped a bit of criticism and stuff. He's got family too. It's tough to see how much he's been copping and I wish him all the best.
"He's been a mate of mine for a long time and still is."
Manu's recovery was tested on the day after surgery in his Brisbane hospital when Canterbury Bulldogs forward and ex-Roosters teammate Dylan Napa wandered into his ward with a bucket of KFC.
"It was quite funny," Manu said. "I'm eating okay but it's supposed to be soft food.
"I couldn't have much but it was nice of him. I had a few nuggets with mashed potato and gravy."
This was just 24 hours after surgeons used three metallic plates and 12 screws to repair the shocking fractured cheekbone that ended his season.
The pain from missing out on the big end of season games was as bad as that of the actual injury.
"I've always loved playing in the finals and all the big games," he said, "that's why I was so gutted.
"I started thinking about my family and my partner.
"Then over the weekend, Nick (Politis). He cares so much for his players and he was shattered.
"I'm very fortunate to have my partner in Queensland and people like Nick looking after me and making sure everything will be okay."
Manu stayed on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday night while the Roosters travelled to Mackay for the match against the Canberra Raiders.
He has vowed to stay with the team until their final game.
"I'm keen to help out with the boys and the coaching staff wherever I can," Manu said.
"It's a pretty young team because of all our injuries. I'll be around at training, video sessions and just there if anyone wants a chat."
He is also keen that rugby league parents stay supportive and don't judge the game on one incident.
"Obviously it didn't look too good," he said, "Sometimes things like this are going to happen.
"I love this game and I'd hate something like this could discourage kids from playing.
"Honestly, I'm treating it now as a little hiccup. And as I keep saying, it's time to move on."
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