Manu Tuilagi aims to roar for Leicester and catch the eye of Eddie Jones

Manu Tuilagi is convinced he is both physically and mentally ready to prove to Eddie Jones he deserves a place in his England side for the autumn internationals.
The centre begins another episode of his troubled rugby career when he returns to action for Leicester Tigers in their Premiership season opener at Kingsholm on Friday night.
And, having spent the last two “frustrating” years watching a lot more rugby than he has played, the Samoan-born star who England fans would love to see hammering holes in the defences of this autumn’s Twickenham opposition, insists his body and mind are in “the best place possible” to finally put his past demons to rest.
Tuilagi’s anguish was complete when he sat watching the start of England’s incredible whitewash of the Wallabies in their own backyard on a TV screen at Brisbane International airport en route to visit his family in Samoa.
Adding to the injuries and late-night problems with the Leicester Police that robbed him of a home World Cup and any meaningful role in his country’s Grand Slam success, it would have applied a salutary end to a miserable two years.
Yet, the 25-year-old just wants to put the past behind him and focus on potential success and glory to come with club and country.
He faces an even tougher battle to regain his white jersey with Owen Farrell in stunning form during the Six Nations and Down Under at inside centre and Jonathan Joseph likewise outside him.
The Leicester Tiger, who would have won so many more than just 26 England caps by now, insists: “The last two years have been frustrating. In a good way I learned a lot. Sometimes if you play all the time you don’t learn this much.
“I’m not going to say I’m getting used to it, but it is what it is. You can’t change what has happened in the past. You certainly appreciate things more when you are out for so long.
“When you are fit you take it and coming to training for granted. It’s quite hard not to because you are enjoying it.
“When you are on the field you are enjoying it but when you are injured you really miss it.
“All you can do is look at the future and how you look after your body and other things you can control.
“Obviously I was gutted not to go on tour and the boys did unbelievably well. I watched the first Test in Brisbane on my way to Samoa with the missus.
“We were in transit and were able to see the first half. The boys were relentless.
“With Eddie coming in the way we train is hard. Probably harder than the games. And the game-plan is pretty simple. When you are injured all you can do is cheer on the boys.
“Owen (Farrell) was brilliant. He did a fantastic job. JJ at 13, and also Fordy … the whole team was just outstanding.
“Am I itching to get back in? You have got to listen to your body, do all your physio and rehab and try to get your body right.
“Eddie (Jones) dropped me a text now and again to see how I was getting on. I was just enjoying my time back home with the family in Samoa. It was nice to see them for three weeks.
“He definitely wants me to play at 12. But, 12 and 13, there is not that much difference really.
“It always depends on the personnel, different moves. It depends on how you want to use different players. In terms of phase play it is not a set position.
“You can stand at 10, 12, 13 or 15. Even on the wing. Even at the set piece you can stand in different positions.
“I am training at both 12 and 13 with Leicester.  We have a few centres here. Matt Toomua, (right) coming in, Peter Betham can play at 12 or 13 and Mathew Tait as well. For me it is about making sure I know the roles.
“In the game it could change. You can learn so much off Maug (head coach Aaron Mauger), he has been there in the midfield for all his career. It’s about being a smart footballer.
“For me it is about trying to get fit and back to my best. If I do that then everything else will take care of itself. It is also about getting to a good place mentally.
“Then it is to stay fit and win some medals with Tigers. My focus is always on being here and winning.
“It’s all about doing well in the Premiership and European Champions Cup, and if I do well for the club then the rest, with England, will take care of itself.”
NEALE HARVEY