After making his debut for the Newcastle Knights against his former Club the New Zealand Warriors, Carlos Tuimavave is excited for his first NRL game on home soil.
“It’s been a long time and I finally got my opportunity. Hopefully I can make the most of it,” Tuimavave said on Wednesday.
“I have to back my performance on last week and show (Rick) Stoney what I can do.
“He put faith in me and trust me and hopefully I can stay there for a few games.”
After an admirable maiden match in the red and blue that was praised by the coach, the New Zealand born utility is eager to take his game this week to another level.
“More talk, better options and pass selection and leading the boys around the park,” he listed as areas he’ll focus on.
This week Tuimavave will be joined by versatile club captain Kurt Gidley in the halves, who is replacing injured halfback Tyrone Roberts.
“That’s a big bonus, he’ll take a big role and I’m sure he’ll guide the boys around the park as well,” Tuimavave said of Gidley's inclusion.
"I’m sure that will take heaps of weight off my shoulders too."
With his Club debut up in the air until Saturday before Sunday's match, the 23-year-old says he expects a calmer more planned approach to this weekend’s game against the Raiders.
“It was a bit frustrating,” he said about the lead-up to last weekend’s game.
“Gidsy (Gidley) was 50/50 on playing so I found out on Saturday morning that I was playing, so it was pretty late.
“I prepared well all week if, (regardless) if I was playing or not.
“There was definitely nerves going into the game but after the first five minutes it felt like a normal game and I got stuck in.
“We lost Tyrone Roberts in the first and that changed everything so I’m just going to prepare like I did last week and do my extras so come game day I can put a good performance in.”
Saturday June 6 – Round 13
Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders
Gates open: 10.30am
NYC: 10.40am
NSW Cup: 12.40pm
NRL: 3pm
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Tickets: BUY HERE
If you plan to attend Saturday's game, check out the Round 13 game day information.
