Adam Clydsdale might not be the biggest bloke in the world, but Knights coach Wayne Bennett couldn't care less.
You see, what size Clydsdale lacks he makes up for in determination and toughness.
These qualities were on show from the emerging hooker in Saturday's gutsy 26-12 win over the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium.
In an impressive performance, Clydsdale made 36 tackles, 2 tackle breaks, one line break and scored a crucial first half try- his first four-pointer in the NRL.
Watching on from the grandstand, Bennett couldn't have been happier with the effort of his diminutive back-up No.9.
“We’ve seen Adam get better each week and growing in confidence," Bennett said after the win over Canberra.
“He is only a little bloke, but he exemplifies toughness.
“That’s part of his progression as a player without over exposing him and giving him too many minutes and halfway through the season he’ll burn out on us.
“So it’s a good thing that’s happening right now. It’s giving him an opportunity and that’s what he needs.
“It’s giving him a bit of time, but that’s also what he needs.”
Clydsdale says Saturday's win over the Raiders was made all the more special when he dived over for his first top grade try.
"It was good," he enthuses.
"It was my first one ever, so I’m sure my mum will be happy with it as well.
"I was just looking for Joey (Leilua) on the outside and I was going to hit him short, but old mate went out of the line so I just dummied and got over."
Clydsdale credits senior players like Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and the recently retired Danny Buderus for his form this season.
"All the older boys have been a big help," he says.
"They help you out in every bit of their game and I give them 100 per cent credit.
"Even Danny Buderus has helped too. He has been there all pre-season.
"I tried to have a big pre-season and helped me a lot, so I’m starting to show the rewards I suppose."
The Knights rediscovered their steel in defence against Canberra and Clydsdale knows it's the type of form his side must maintain in the coming weeks.
This challenge starts with a blockbuster Good Friday clash against the Brisbane Broncos at Hunter Stadium.
"It was a very good win," he says.
"All the boys were really happy after the game.
"I guess we go back to training now and look for the Broncos and see what we can do there.
"We had a few back-to-back sets on our line and we kept them out.
"I guess if you defend and complete your sets you’ll win the game, so it really showed."
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