Newcastle winger James McManus says he'll have no problem lining up alongside Timana Tahu in Knights colours in 2012, despite the dual international doing his best to knock his block off during a heated clash last season.

Tahu copped a four-match suspension after a stunning opening assault in his 2010 NRL return to Newcastle.

McManus was the victim of a blatant high tackle in what was Tahu's first game after walking out on the NSW side, as a result of the race row involving Blues assistant coach Andrew Johns.

Tahu - who won't play again in 2011 due to a torn pectoral muscle - agreed this week to return to Newcastle on a two-year deal starting next season.

McManus said the former Knights premiership winner would be welcomed back to the fold.

"It's an absolute non-issue," McManus said of the possibility of any bad blood between the pair.

"Sometimes things get heated in the game - I think it was more frustration on his behalf, rather than targeted at any one particular person.

"... he has already apologised - there's no drama there between me and 'T'. I got along with him really well when he was at the club and I was with the juniors.

"He's going to be a great attribute to the side. Depending on what centre he plays, it wouldn't be too bad to play outside him."

For now though, McManus remains focused on his partnership with Junior Sa'u, with the Knights out of the top eight on percentages, heading into Sunday's clash against the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Football Stadium.

McManus knows the Roosters will be desperate to atone for last week's poor performance in the loss to Cronulla, with the threat of Dally M medallist Todd Carney looming large after he made his return to the football field against the Sharks.

"He's a dominant player, Carney, and with (Mitchell) Pearce out, he'll be looking to play a major role in their team," McManus said.

"He's probably going to get his hands on the ball a bit more and his kicking game will come out a bit more without Pearce there.

"As a part of the back three, we've got to have a look at that."

Roosters prop Jason Ryles is expected to play for the first time in more than a month after his hamstring survived a week of training, with Tinirau Arona named to make his first start in place of Queensland backrower Nate Myles after four appearances off the bench.

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