League: Jazz Tevaga has his eye on Simon Mannering's old spot

Jazz Tevaga. Photo / Photosport

Jazz Tevaga wants to go from interchange specialist to indispensable in 2019. Christchurch-born Tevaga was one of the standouts of the Warriors' campaign last year, a key factor in their run to the playoffs.

His ability to change the game from the bench — with his deceptive strength, deft footwork and offloading ability — saw him become a cult favourite among Warriors fans, who appreciated the bravery and commitment of the stocky forward.

It was also recognised by the NRL, as the 23-year-old was named the interchange player of the year at the Dally M Awards.

It was an unforgettable night, as Tevaga and Issac Luke also performed a stirring haka for captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck when he won the Dally M Medal.

Tevaga reflected on his momentous year during an off-season trip to Bali, where he explored the Indonesian island with 10 friends.

"It wasn't till we were in Bali that everything kinda sunk in," said Tevaga. "I was looking back at that haka we did, that went viral. I was thinking, 'wow, I had a pretty good year, couldn't believe I got the interchange player of the year.

"I surprised myself. It goes to show, if you work hard and stick at it, things can happen for you. I had a pretty good year [in] 2016 and then I had a slump. I was proud of how I turned it around and it was a breakout year."

Tevaga made only four NRL appearances in 2017, as he fell prey to off-field distractions, which compromised his ability to perform. But an ultimatum from coach Stephen Kearney set him on the right track, and now he is hunting a starting place, and Simon Mannering's old spot.

"I'm chasing the No 13 jersey," said Tevaga. "That's where I want to play."

Tevaga is one of the smallest forwards in the game (1.78m, 92kg) but has resisted the temptation to bulk up over the pre-season.

"It helps putting on weight but I don't really feel like I need to. I feel like I can handle myself. As long as I am getting stronger, that is the main one for me."

For now Tevaga is focused on his agility and core strength, which saw him procure offloads from impossible positions last season to set the Warriors attack rolling.

"It's about getting stronger. I try to stay light on my feet and nippy and agile. So when I am around those big boys it's easy to get through those little holes."

Tevaga also wants to add more of a play-making aspect to his game, with the Warriors' attack having a change of focus this year.

"I've been working on my attack, linking up with Blake Green and the other half," said Tevaga. "With Shaun [Johnson] gone, there is a bit of a hole there. So ball playing a bit more."

Tevaga might also fill in at No 9, after a lot of work with specialist coaches has seen his dummy-half skills blossom.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain. After his eye-catching performances in 2018, Tevaga won't be under the radar any more. He will be targeted on defence, and surrounded wherever he gets the ball, as teams look to shut down his impact.

"I try not to think about [the expectation]," he said. "I try to focus on each game, with an attack and defence plan for each game. In the past, if I thought about expectation it just builds pressure and clogs the mind up and you can lose sight of what is really important."