While Sunday’s game wasn’t the result the Newcastle Knights were searching for against the Sydney Roosters, it’s a match Joseph Tapine will always remember.
In his 17th first grade appearance, Tapine crossed for his first NRL try, grounding a grubber from halfback Tyrone Roberts in the right corner.
“I’ve been waiting a while for that and it’s definitely good to get it,” he said on Monday.
Tapine has captured attention for his performances in the Knights’ back row, but shifted into the centres on Sunday when Beau Scott and Tyler Randell left the field because of injury.
“I’m happy to learn different positions. It gives me a bit of variety and gives the coaches more reason to pick me,” he said.
“I think playing first grade for the rest of the year is a big goal for me and improving my game rolling on into next year."
For now, the 21-year-old is focused on honing his strengths and becoming more consistent in his game.
“I want to improve in my defence, wrestle and winning tackles and getting more involved early in the game,” he added.
“We are just trying to work on getting a win."
Interim coach Danny Buderus will name his Round 23 team at 5pm on Tuesday as the Knights turn their focus to taking on the Wests Tigers this Saturday at Campbelltown Stadium.
