Joseph Paulo is embracing his impact role off Parramatta’s bench but says he doesn’t want to be compared to NRL rival Feleti Mateo.

Like Warriors back-rower Mateo, Paulo is a creative lock-forward who can moonlight in the halves due to his impressive ball skills.

But the 25-year-old, who gets teased by teammates for his similarities to his good mate, wants to distance himself from the last five-eighth to take Parramatta to a grand final.

“Obviously I admire the way Feleti plays, and he’s a good mate of mine,” Paulo told AAP.

“I think (the comparison) can be cool because we know each other and respect each other.

“But really I just want to create my own name and not just be the next Feleti.”

The pair talk regularly on the phone and Paulo often leans on Mateo for advice on his game.

Paulo is currently being confronted with an issue Mateo dealt with throughout his career as coaches try to work out how to best utilise his talents – from five-eighth, lock-forward or the bench?

Paulo was tried in the halves and at No.13 during the pre-season, but has been primarily used by coach Ricky Stuart off the interchange to inject some attack mid-way through the first half as defences tire.

“I think that’s where Ricky sees me playing my best role for the team,” Paulo said.

“Hopefully I can make an impact every time I come on.”

He will have his hands full on Saturday night against a Brisbane outfit smarting from a heavy loss to South Sydney last week.

“I watched their game against the (Wests) Tigers two weeks ago and (centre Justin) Hodges was going well and seems to be playing at his best,” Paulo said.

“They are strong on the edges. We’ll have to work hard on our defence.”