But as commentators look for a nickname that best sums up the Knights' gruesome twosome, the pair are clear that they don't want to be known as a cheap imitation of what's gone before.
"We don't want to be called the Bash Brothers, because that's already taken, we've got to figure something out," said McEwen.
'The Bash Brothers' was a moniker given to Penrith duo Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris during the Panthers' run to four-straight premierships.
Penrith edge forwards Joe Galuvao and Tony Puletua were christened 'the Hair Bears' in 2003, while Canberra's devastating centre-wing combination of Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana was dubbed 'Leipana' a decade ago.
So when a list of potential nicknames is put to McEwen and Manuleleua ahead of Sunday's clash against the Sydney Roosters, the duo settle on one name for their hard-hitting partnership.
"The Bruise Crew, I like that one," Manuleleua said.
It's a fitting tag for the pair, who have come from relative obscurity to feature in this year's decider all while trampling or folding anybody who stands in their way.
The 21-year-old McEwen, was running around in the Koori Knockout on grand final weekend last year.
McEwen, who only has 39 first grade games to his name, showed he won't be intimidated when he barked at Leota in the Knights' energy-sapping win over Penrith.
"You probably don't want to hang around us too much because we just muck around too much," Manuleleua said.
"But when it comes to training and game day, we flick that switch and we're just ready to bang."
Manuleleua is just 14 games into his NRL career and not so long ago the 22-year-old was mowing the grass outside Penrith's centre of excellence.
In last week's preliminary final win over the Panthers he scored the opening try and pulled off a terrific try-saver to stop Brian To'o.
McEwen hopes he and Manuleleua, who room together, will line up alongside each other for Samoa at the World Cup.
"We both lean on each other a lot with each other's energy," McEwen said.
"I was always burning energy thinking about the game and he's just a chill guy, but on gameday he's a beast, bro.
"We just love playing with each other because you bring that energy and want to go out there and bang."
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