No more shy Taniela: Manly's Paseka ready to stand up

Manly prop Taniela Paseka has declared there can be no more Mr. Shy Guy, adamant 2023 must be the year he makes full use of his size in the NRL.

TANIELA PASEKA.
TANIELA PASEKA. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Taniela Paseka has vowed to make 2023 the year he makes his size count at Manly, conceding to himself that it's time he stopped being shy and started fulfilling his potential.

Paseka has been one of the sleeping giants in Manly's pack in recent years, as the Sea Eagles desperately search to get more out of their middle.

Data shows Manly were among the biggest strugglers for yardage last year, at a team where attacking on the front foot is crucial for the likes of Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Paseka, should in theory, provide part of the solution for Manly ahead of Saturday's season opener against Canterbury.

Impressive enough to attract attention from NFL scouts in 2019 with his hulking 120kg frame and sheer power, Paseka is the first to admit he is yet to make full use of his size.

But he knows 2023 must be the year that changes, after claiming a starting spot at prop alongside Jake Trbojevic.

"There is no more of that shy Taniela. It's all about making an imprint and letting people know I am here," Paseka told AAP.

"It's time.

"That's both off the field and on it. I have two kids now and have responsibilities. Back then I used to think I am still young, I am still little. I have plenty of time.

"But I am 25 now and time is going that quick. I have to man up a bit and stop being a little child and immature."

Paseka was restricted to 11 games last season after back-to-back medial tears in his knees, but with his fitness back he is adamant there should now be no excuse.

"There is definitely so much potential," he said.

"Because you're such a big human you fatigue a bit quicker as well. It comes down to getting fit at a big weight.

"I have always been over 120kg. But I have to be able to play quality minutes at that weight."

Paseka said his coming of age had to come as both a leader on and off the field, particularly following Martin Taupau's exit.

"As a prop, when you're young you don't know too much about what role you're doing. You're just playing footy," he said.

"But as you get older there is a bigger role.

"There are younger guys coming up and they look to you for what to do.

"I forget I am in that position. I always go to what do I do now? I have to be the one to have the answers.

"At 25, that is the time where you have to be "I am him now". You have to be him and start making moves."