Pasami Saulo's upcoming NRL debut on Friday is a timely reminder for Todd Lowrie's Jersey Flegg players that a call-up to first grade could be closer than they realise.
Saulo, who is still eligible for 20s, featured in a handful of games this season and caught the eye of Nathan Brown while playing ISP NSW to secure his NRL start.
Lowrie believes a handful of his players are knocking on the door too.
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"A guy like Mat Croker, who plays in the middle of the field, he's probably been our most consistent over the back part of the year," Lowrie said.
This weekend the ladder leaders face the Warriors in Auckland at the same ground Saulo will debut at only hours earlier.
The young Knights have booked their place in the finals and there's no doubt NRL coach Brown will be keeping close watch.
With every young player dreaming of playing first grade one day, Lowrie believes the remainder of he year is a prime opportunity for the players to get their name in the mix for a look-in come 2019.
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"It's great to see Pasami get a game. He's still 20s eligible and in a similar situation to a guy like Mat Croker or a few other guys currently playing 20s," Lowrie said.
"He played most of the year with us last year and sometimes the guys just don't know how close they are. There's certainly quite a few of them, that if Pasami is anything to go by, that aren't too far away.
"If they keep working hard and keep doing what they're doing, hopefully they get their chance in the not too distant future."
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TEAM
1. Matt Cooper, 2. Justin Worley, 3. Heath Gibbs, 4. Starford To'a, 5. Elijah Rasiga, 6. Nash Birch, 7. Hayden Loughrey, 8. Mathew Croker, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Henry Siriah-Fuimaono, 11. Kurtis Dark, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Brandon Russell. 14. Tex Hoy, 15. Tevita Alifa, 16. Jack Cameron, 17. Ben Talty, 21. Phoenix Crossland
Saturday, August 11 – Round 22 Jersey Flegg
Warriors v Knights
Jersey Flegg kick-off: 1pm
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
