Newcastle Knights' Jake Mamo, who graduated from the Under 20s competition last year and has seven first grade games under his belt, is determined to earn another shot in the NRL by playing consistent football in reserve grade.
“I just want to stay consistent and injury free to hopefully be pushing for a first grade spot throughout the year," Mamo said.
In the NSW Cup Knights match against the Mounties last weekend, the 20-year-old scored a double, adding to another two tries he’s scores since the season’s start.
Despite the reserve grade Knights performing well in attack, the Mounties snatched a two point lead at the back end of the match.
“We’ve had three wins and three losses so far, and there have been a couple of games in the balance that we should have won, but I’ve been enjoying it so far,” Mamo said.
“On the weekend we started the game really well and think we put on three unanswered tries, and then we were dominating in the first half.
“We came out in the second half and probably lost our way for a little bit and got a bit loose in the middle.
“They got a few tries back on us, and then in the end, we did complete well and finish quite well, but they got us in the end by two points."
The 2014 NYC Fullback of the Year has settle in well in the ranks of the NSW Cup and said he’s continuing to learn since joining the side.
“I suppose it’s not all too new for me because I’ve been around the club for a while now,” he said.
“I’ve known most of the guys for two or three years now and have played with them at different grades and different levels, so it’s easy to gel with them and play alongside them."
The speedy outside back has enjoyed playing under newly appointed NSW Cup Knights coach Matt Lantry.
“I’ve known Matt since my days in SG Ball, he was my assistant coach. He’s been around for a while and I’ve known him for a long time so I’m working well with him,” he said.
A number of experienced teammates has helped with the transition.
“I think Pat Vaivai and Chad Redman have been standout outs out the front this year," Mamo said.
“They just make it easier for the boys as they are veterans of the grade and make it easier for us outside backs."
Another player who has had a significant influence on the young talent is captain Clint Newton.
“Working under him is really good. He’s a great leader and leads from example and from his voice as well and always have someone speaking to you, telling you where to go and where you should be,” he said.
“That voice always helps in the game."
As the NSW Knights gear up for Sunday’s Round 7 match against the Wentworthville Magpies, Mamo says preparation will remain much the same as it has been the last few weeks.
“We just need to get our attack right at the moment, we probably haven’t put in a full 80-minute performance and that’s what we need to focus on," he concluded.
NSW Cup kick off a three-game fixture at Hunter Stadium this Sunday at 11.45am. CLICK HERE for Round 7 team news.
