While the Newcastle Knights’ Aku Uate admits his team’s clash against the Melbourne Storm will be tough this Saturday, the winger eagerly awaits the challenge of playing one of the top teams in the competition.
Uate returned from a knee injury last weekend via NSW Cup.
“Last week was a fun week for me,” he beamed after training on Friday.
“I haven’t played NSW Cup for the last seven years, so it was good to get back there and have fun with the boys.
“It’s a good learning process to go back to second grade, to play good footy then come back to first grade.
“I’m looking forward to a challenge this week against a tough team, Melbourne.”
Since his last NRL game in Round 19, brothers Chanel and Sione Mata’utia proved themselves in their NRL debut and stepped up again to play in the Knights match against the Rabbitohs in Cairns last weekend.
“I reckon they handled first grade really well and they train really well everyday,” Uate said.
“Jake Mamo, Chanel and Sione Mata’utia are three really confident players.
“It’s good to see people that can replace first grade players and have the confidence to come up and play first grade.
“I’m feeling really excited to be back in first grade, it means a lot to me.
“Back against the Melbourne Storm, it’s going to be a tough game, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
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