Dave Fa’alogo admits he's had an indifferent start to the season, but the veteran enforcer has vowed to make the most of his opportunity in the NRL when he tackles Penrith at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking after training on Thursday, Fa'alogo said he was excited to start in the front-row against the Panthers given he has spent the majority of 2014 in the NSW Cup ranks.
The Samoan representative has only played four top grade games this season, but insists he is ready to step up with forwards Willie Mason, Jeremy Smith and Korbin Sims all on the sidelines.
"Yeah I’ve had a funny season," Fa'alogo said after training on Thursday.
"It’s sort of been up and down, but when you get given the opportunity to play NRL you have to do your best and that’s what I try and do every game I play.
“It’s always an opportunity to stamp your authority in the side.
“So I’ll be looking at stepping my game up and taking on a bit of that leadership role and doing what I can in order to come away with the points.
"And just playing well and putting in the effort, that’s the biggest thing and hopefully we get the win."
Newcastle may be in the bottom half of the competition, but Fa'alogo remains confident his side can turn it around.
The 33-year-old starred in Samoa's strong win over Fiji last weekend and hopes to pass on some of that winning feeling to his teammates.
"You win a game on the weekend and you sort of come back to Club and you hope to rub off those winning ways," he says.
"We haven't been getting wins, but we've got quality players and it’s just a matter of putting in the hard work and hope we get the win."
While winning will be the main focus on Sunday, Fa'alogo says it's also an opportunity for the Knights to honour their mums on Mother's Day.
"It’s always nice to give mum and the missus a win on Mother’s Day," he grins.
"There is going to be pink jerseys out there and it’s going to look a bit different, but it’s a good cause.
"So it will be good to see everyone out there and support us and give everything for our mothers."
