JJ Felise has nine games.
Just nine.
Having arrived at the nib Newcastle Knights only days before the June 30 transfer deadline, the prop is ready to impress.
It was a bold move by the 22-year-old.
Looking to revive his NRL career, the forward left the Wests Tigers in search of a pathway to first grade.
That's why he's signed a contract for the remainder of the season in hopes of proving himself and convincing the coach he deserves a longer-term deal.
Knights name Round 16 squad
While Nathan Brown acknowledges 'it's a challenge for JJ' to force his way into the NRL side, he admires the confidence he's shown in leaving Sydney and backing himself to succeed.
"I'd be disappointed if he didn't play some NRL," Brown said.
"His form in reserve grade has been really good and he's bring that extra little bit of leg speed which we feel can add to our side.
Injury Update: The latest on Buhrer and the Saifiti twins
"Herman brings plenty of that for us. We fell another one of those types of players will be really good for us. We feel JJ can certainly bring that to the team.
"He'll start in reserve grade where he's been playing at he Tigers. His form has been good there. I'd be disappointed if he didn't play some games."
Knights signing tracker:
New recruits (coming in 2019): Tim Glasby (Storm - 2021), Jesse Remien (Sharks - 2020), Edrick Lee (Sharks – 2021)
Re-signed: Josh King (2020), Nathan Brown (ongoing contract)
2019 losses: Jack Cogger (Bulldogs)
2018 squad: Aidan Guerra (2020), Brock Lamb (2018), Chris Heighington (2018), Connor Watson (2020), Cory Denniss (2018), Daniel Saifiti (2020), Danny Levi (2020), Herman Ese'ese (2020), Jack Cogger (2018), Jacob Lillyman (2018), Jacob Saifiti (2020), Jamie Buhrer (2018), Josh King (2018), Kalyn Ponga (2021), Ken Sio (2018), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (2019), Luke Yates (2018), Mitch Barnett (2020), Mitchell Pearce (2021), Nathan Ross (2020), Pat Mata'utia (2018), Sam Stone (2020), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (2019), Sione Mata'utia (2018), Slade Griffin (2019), Tautau Moga (2020), Tyrone Amey (2018), JJ Felise (2018)
2018 Gains: Herman Ese'ese (Broncos - 2020), Slade Griffin (Storm - 2019), Aidan Guerra (Roosters - 2020), Chris Heighington (Sharks - 2018), Jacob Lillyman (Warriors - 2018), Tautau Moga (Broncos - 2020), Mitchell Pearce (Roosters - 2021), Kalyn Ponga (Cowboys - 2021), Connor Watson (Roosters - 2020), JJ Felise (Tigers mid-year for remainder of 2018)
2018 Losses: Brendan Elliot (Titans), Jaelen Feeney (Townsville Blackhawks), Dane Gagai (Rabbitohs), Jacob Gagan (Rabbitohs), Rory Kostjasyn (retired), Jesse Martin (Sea Eagles), Sam Mataora (retired), Chanel Matautia (retired), Peter Matautia (Leigh), Jarrod Mullen (retired), Mickey Paea (Hull FC), Josh Starling (Oberon), Jack Stockwell (Titans), Anthony Tupou (retired), Joe Wardle (Castleford), Tyler Randell (Wakefield Trinity), Pauli Pauli (Wakefield Trinity), David Bhana, Will Pearsall, (released), Trent Hodkinson (Sharks), Dylan Phythian (released)
