Just over three months ago, New Zealander David Bhana arrived at the Newcastle Knights to pursue a fresh start.
Now he sits less than a week out from making his first grade debut.
Bhana is understandably thrilled to be named in coach Nathan Brown's side when the Knights take on the Gold Coast Titans this weekend.
“I was confident I would make my debut sometime this year, but I would have never have dreamed it would be in round one,” he told Knights TV.
“I’m super stoked and just have to concentrate and do well in training this week. I’m just buzzing.”
Since arriving at the Club, Bhana has established himself as one of the squad’s hardest and most consistent trainers.
“I’ve just been trying to do all principles properly and all the one percenters right,” he said.
“I impressed them with what I did in the trial against the Raiders and in pre-season training so they decided to give it to me early.”
After being told by the coach that he’s earned his shot and to make the most of it, Bhana plans on doing just that.
“I’m expecting it to be really physical and faster than I’ve ever played before," he added.
“I just have to do my job right in defence... and get our principles right and hopefully I’ll go well.”
Bhana joins the Saifiti brothers, Pat Mata'utia and Jaelen Feeney in making Club history on Sunday, find out more HERE.
The Newcastle Knights kick off season 2016 with a Round 1 match against the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday March 6 from 5.30pm (local).
