The Club's NYC player of the year for 2017, back rower Zac Hosking, says he'll look to learn from some of the best in his first NRL pre-season.
The 20-year-old is one of a number of 2017 Under 20s players promoted this pre-season.
“The Club has had some quality buys for 2018, blokes like Aidan Guerra and Jacob Lillyman,” said Hosking.
“They have both played Origin, they have plenty of experience and I'm sure they will pass it down to us during training.
“They are the players you watch all through your juniors and to be on the same field as them and the same gym, is a bit surreal.
“I just have to take it in and enjoy it while it’s there.”
The young forward admits his first day of pre-season training last Wednesday was hard work.
“It was very tough the first day and we had a two kilometre time trial,” Hosking explained.
“I was happy with how I went and it’s been very professional the way everything has been done.
“You always have to prepare for what you’re in for so I did a bit of running, but I was mainly focused on the gym work and putting on some size being in the middle of the field with the big boys.
“I knew coming in, I would need to put on some weight and hopefully I’ll keep progressing with that during the pre-season.
“I know the contact and the pace of the game will be a lot more intense.”
Now no longer eligible for Under 20s, Hosking will be working on locking down a start in Reserve Grade in 2018.
“It is definitely a goal and one I’ll be working towards,” stated Hosking.
“I know there is plenty of competition and there will be blokes dropping back, so I’m sure we’ll be fighting each other for spots in the team.
“I want to grow in the role of lock or back row, or wherever I am put and be able to match it with the big boys.”
