For young Newcastle Knights’ talent Jake Mamo, Saturday evening's pre-season trial match will be about staking a claim before the official start of season 2016.
The 21-year-old already has 16 first grade games to his name, but sets his sights on securing his spot in the NRL team this year.
According to him, his crusade begins at Wade Park in the team’s final trial game against the Canberra Raiders.
“I’m still trying to cement that first grade spot, so I’m here to show Browny (coach Nathan Brown) everything I’ve got,” he said after the team’s final training run at Wade Park on Friday.
“I’ll be playing mostly on the wing tomorrow and that’s where he’ll (Brown) be looking to play me this year, so I’m just here to show him what I’ve got.
“I’ll be treating more as if my first grade career depends on it.”
But it’s not solely Mamo who aims to showcase their talent and potential on the field on Saturday night.
“That’s what the trial games are here for, for young blokes to show Browny what they’ve got,” he said.
“That’s what I’m here to do and that’s what all the other young guys are here to do this weekend.
Mamo is set to feature on the wing, but hopes to get some time at fullback, the position he eventually wishes to transition to.
At the moment I just want to play first grade…I’m happy to play wherever Browny wants me and hopefully I’ll get a couple of minutes there this weekend to show him what I can do.”
Mamo enjoyed the opportunity to meet Knights supporters in Orange ahead of the game at the team’s open training session on Friday.
“It’s great to be in Orange, so I’m excited to play,” he said.
“I’ve seen a couple of guys here today who I know have travelled from Newcastle, so it’s good to have that support.”
The trial match kicks off at 6.30pm. Tickets are still available online or at the gate. A live stream of the match will be available at newcastleknights.com.au from 6.30pm.
