It's been a while since young back Cory Denniss made his NRL debut in 2016, but he will now get the chance to show his growth when he lines up in the number four jersey for the nib Newcastle Knights this weekend.
It will be a baptism of fire for the 20-year-old, who has just recorded seven NRL appearances, set to go up against Parramatta Eels playmaker Michael Jennings.
"He's a very classy player and it's going to be a big job on him," Denniss said.
"I'm just going to do my video, work on the edge and if we work together and stay connected, I'm sure we'll do a good job."
But Denniss admits he's feeling confident and is raring to go on Saturday.
"I'm going to go out there and do my best for the team and put in 100% and hopefully come away with the result," he added.
Since his debut in Round 3 of 2016, the young back has been working hard at becoming the overall package out on the field.
"I have definitely put on a couple of kilos and I have been working defensively pretty hard to get that part of my game right, as well as making the correct decisions and doing all the little things right to help the team out," Denniss explained.
"Centre is definitely a position I prefer, but wherever I get put I'm happy to do my job, so I've got to be very vocal to my inside and outside men and work together to get the job done."
And while it was all a bit of a blur back then when he ran out to make his NRL debut against Canberra, Denniss admits he has some of the same feelings now about his return to first grade.
"It all happened pretty quickly, I had just started 20s and I was working quite a lot and to get the call-up, I was very shocked and excited, just like I feel now," he said.
"I'm anxious but I can't wait to get out there and have a go.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity I got back then but this time I have worked really hard, I have had two pre-seasons, so I'm looking forward to it.
"Through the pre-season, I found out what it took to really be an NRL player and how much hard work and dedication you need, that was a big learning curve for me and I feel I have worked hard over the last couple of years and I'm ready."
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