Newcastle Knight David Bhana’s hard work in reserve grade has been rewarded with a starting spot in this Sunday’s match against the Manly Sea Eagles.
“I have had a few solid seven out of 10 games and that’s what Browny (Nathan Brown) has been asking of me, to play some consistent footy,” he said on Wednesday.
“It’s good to rewarded for that.”
After making his debut in Round 1, he’s played six NRL games while also contributing to the Reserve Grade side playing regularly at lock.
“I have been out for a little while and have been plying my trade in the reserve grade side,” he said.
“I have been playing some consistent footy and now I’m back up.
“I’d like to be playing the highest possible footy I can.”
While the New Zealand born Knight played at hooker in first grade at the beginning of the year, he’s juggled a number of positions and has embraced any opportunity to play at the highest level.
“I have learned a lot over this year. I have been playing in a few different positions than I normally would,” he said.
“It sort of comes with territory of being a utility player and you have to learn as much as you can.
“I’ve definitely grown this season.”
Bhana is confident he’ll transition smoothly into the second row as a replacement for Mitch Barnett who serves a two game suspension.
“I love playing loose forward and love the middle and doing the hard yards, but will play wherever the team needs me to play,” he said.
“I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge on the weekend.
“I have played a few games in the back row, but not at this level.
“I just have to bring the same energy and talk Mitch brought to the team.
“He was a really good asset when he came to the Club.”
The Knights have delivered a higher standard of performances in the past month with Bhana praising the resilience shown by the team against some of the competition’s top sides
“We definitely do still have a lot of confidence,” he said.
“Last week was a bit of a hiccup and we were out a few players.
“All the boys have rallied together and have said we’ll put that in the past and will focus on those other performances and try to bring those to the table.
“If we keep doing all the little things we need to and everyone focuses on their job, then we will go well.”
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