West Tigers teen Curtis Sironen says while opponents will try to target his inexperience he is by no means a weak link.
Sironen, son of Balmain great Paul, has made a huge impression since his first grade debut in round 12 this season.
He played three games then was sidelined with a knee injury until making his comeback in Friday night’s 32-20 loss to the Bulldogs.
He is the tallest five-eighth in the NRL at 195cm and weighs 95kg – dimensions found more often in the forwards.
But while he said teammate Aaron Woods has been a good friend in his first NRL season he isn’t looking to join him in the forward pack anytime soon.
“No, definitely not yet,” the 18-year-old said.
“I’m happy where I am, I’m just happy to be playing footy and trying to stay on the field after my injury.”
This week he lines up for only his fifth match and is learning all too soon the harsh reality of the game with the Tigers in a current slump after three straight losses resulted in them dropping out of the top eight.
“It can all turn around so easily,” Sironen said.
“One minute we were on fire and the next we’re in a downward slump.
“It was my first loss on the weekend so it was a bit different but I’m ready to go this week.”
The Tigers face Penrith at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday night and while Sironen knows he’s seen as an easy mark, he feels anything but.
“I will obliviously be targeted because of my inexperience, every smart team would try and target that,” he said.
“But, especially with the guys around me helping me out, I don’t feel like a weakness I feel as strong as the other blokes.
“It’s just trying to do it week in, week out and be consistent defensively – that’s what I’m aiming for.”
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