Last year, Jack Cogger debuted against the Cronulla Sharks and will this weekend get the chance for redemption against last year’s premiers.
“It is one I won’t forget but probably the scoreline would make me want to forget,” he smiled.
“I was living out a childhood dream but they scored a lot of points that day so I remember that but it will be good to get out there this weekend and hopefully get one back on them.
“I definitely learnt the hard way but hopefully that has kept me in good stead for this year.”
Cogger was out for most of this season due to injury and has slowly made his way back to form as a regular in Reserve Grade.
Last week the 20-year-old got the chance to make his first 2017 NRL appearance for the Knights against the Canberra Raiders to add to his already six NRL games from last season.
“It was really good to be back,” said Cogger.
“Obviously a disappointing result but it was good to be back in the top grade.
“I missed the first part of the season but to get back and play some consistent footy and get an opportunity to play first grade, I was really happy with that.”
In the halves, Cogger played out a full 80 minutes and admits he pulled up well after the physical encounter.
“I have been playing Reserve Grade which is against men for the last couple of weeks so I think that really helped me in the transition back to play first grade,” Cogger explained.
“Definitely those six games last year helped me transition back to this year but it's still a big transition from Reserve Grade to first grade.
“There are always areas that could be better but some things I was happy with and other things I could do a lot better.”
The goal for the young five-eighth is to now finish off the season on a high for the Knights final home game.
“This weekend against Cronulla, it’s Old Boys Day so we’re really looking forward to having a good win,” Cogger commented.
“They are always a good team and although they’ve been struggling a bit in the last couple of weeks, coming into semi-finals they’ll want to win so it will be a very competitive game and I hope we put in a good performance.”
Meanwhile, the young half will be hoping to do a few things in the next 12 months to help him get more experience at the top grade.
“Just staying away from injury, that’s the big one and playing some consistent footy and hopefully there’s a few more first grade games around the corner,” he added.
“If I get an opportunity in the halves that’s obviously my position.
“It will be a really good pre-season this year, we have a few guys coming so it will be very competitive for spots.”
The Knights play their final home game against the Sharks on Sunday back at home for Old Boys day, NYC kick-off at 11.45am before NRL at 2pm.
