After all, the big No 8, who has become a key man for the Highlanders in past seasons, is entering his eighth season of Super rugby, and his sixth with the southern franchise.
So is there any signs of boredom creeping in for Manu?
Any indication it is just getting a tad dull, a tad repetitive?Not one iota.
''I love every year but this is probably my first pre-season where I haven't had any niggles. Where I have been able to handle all the weights and do all the work,'' Manu said.
''In the gym in previous years I couldn't do any squats. When I did my shoulder I could not do any bench presses. But this year I can do anything.''
Manu had a good year last year for the Highlanders and, after playing a disrupted season for Canterbury, he said coming back south was great.
''There is a really good feeling. The new players have added a lot. With our pre-season, the management has done a lot of work. We are running pretty smoothly. And it is a real thrill to get the All Blacks back in here.''
But getting on and making new mates is ultimately not what being a professional rugby player is about.
Winning games and playing well is the goal set by any team and the Highlanders are no exception.
Manu said getting wins simply came from playing well and the side could not get far ahead of itself.
''I think we are a process team where we have got to be all about what we can do better each week. Our main goal should be about performance. Obviously, we want to win the competition and do better than last year.
''But for us as a team the best way to look at it week in, week out is to perform the best you can.
"Every Monday we have a leadership meeting and look at what we could do better at training. Make sure while out at the paddock we are at high intensity.''
Manu said the first pre-season game last week - a win against the Crusaders - was a good start and he was hoping for an improvement against the Brumbies at Wagga Wagga tonight.
He will captain the side and said he was hoping the progress he made last year would help him this season.
''They let me grow into the role last year and that has really helped me. This year I'm a lot more comfortable in the role. The boys are a good bunch and you just do your job really.''
Manu shared the role with fullback Ban Smith and each took it in turns to lead the side.
''Every alternative week he will lead and be more vocal and I will take a passenger role.''
Manu is of Tongan extraction and he has been asked if he wants to play for the Pacific kingdom.
However, he has never really been attracted to the red jersey.
''It has not really been a dream of mine. Growing up in New Zealand I've wanted to play for the All Blacks. They approached me but I just focused on my first job with the Highlanders.''
Manu will lead the southern side against a Brumbies team which has the return of a few Wallabies.
The Brumbies had a 31-21 loss to the Force last week and will be looking to turn things around in what is their final trial before the season kicks off in two weeks.
It does seem somewhat unreal the season kicks off in two weeks and this is an important game for the Highlanders.
For the likes of loose forwards Gareth Evans and Shane Christie, first five-eighth Hayden Parker and hooker Liam Coltman it is a chance to put a stake in the ground for the season.
Highlanders v Brumbies
Wagga Wagga, today, 9pm
Highlanders: Trent Renata, Patrick Osborne, Shaun Treeby, Jason Emery, Waisake Naholo, Hayden Parker, Scott Eade, Nasi Manu (captain), Shane Christie, Gareth Evans, Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Ma'afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Brendon Edmonds. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Josh Hohneck, Ross Geldenhuys, Mark Reddish, Joe Latta, Dan Pryor, John Hardie, Josh Renton, Lima Sopoaga, Teihorangi Walden, Michael Collins, Ryan Tongia.
Brumbies (from): Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Michael Dowsett, Sean Doyle, Blake Enever, Scott Fardy, Rod Iona, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, David Pocock, Scott Sio, Jordan Smiler, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Henry Speight, Tom Staniforth, Lausii Taliauli, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Ita Vaea, Mitch Wade, Nic White.
