New Zealand winger Sam Perrett has backed his Test coach Stephen Kearney to cope with the pressure of his Parramatta NRL team’s worst start to a season in 21 years.

Kearney’s side have lost their opening four games of a campaign for the first time since 1991 and face premiers Manly on Saturday amid calls for him to walk away from the Kiwis job to focus solely on the Eels.

However, Sydney Roosters player Perrett, who was a member of the New Zealand side that won the Rugby League World Cup in 2008 under Kearney, believes the 39-year-old is the right man for both roles.

“Everything I know about Steve is that he is awesome,” Perrett said on Tuesday.

“I’ve loved every camp I have been involved in under him and all the advice and learning I’ve had from him … he can handle whatever is thrown at him.”

“Steve will be sweet, he is a good coach.”

Perrett also urged the Roosters board to give veteran fullback Anthony Minichiello a new contract to keep him at the club next season.

“Mini is unreal,” Perrett said.

‘He brings a lot of energy and experience to the team. He’s safe as houses at the back and we all feel confident when he is out there at the back.

“He’s a big part of the team and the culture we have and I would love to see him stay.”