Akuila Uate has had a disrupted start to the 2016 season, which includes an injury in Round 2 that sidelined him for two weeks.
He returned to the side in Round 5 and has instantly made an impact with his spectacular try assist against the Storm and his opportunistic four-pointer against the Tigers.
While he was thrilled by the Club’s first win of the season last weekend, he is now putting all his energy into backing up this weekend.
“We’re going to train hard this week and prepare for Brisbane, but it was good to have that win in front of our home town,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.
“It’s always good to score tries, but I was really proud of the boys’ performance. We didn’t give up, and we played for 80 minutes.”
Uate has been working harder than ever on his personal game throughout the pre-season and in the opening rounds of the 2016 competition, and it showed against the Tigers with his 12 runs and 89% tackle accuracy.
“I’ve got Browny (Nathan Brown), Mick Potter and Bedsy (Danny Buderus) behind me,” he said.
“I’m still learning and I have heaps to improve on, and I’ve got Browny telling me what to do better.”
Sione Mata’utia makes a return to the team this week as well, and is set to pair up with Uate on the right edge.
Mata’utia will be the third player to combine with Uate this season, but the winger is looking forward to the 19-year-olds uncompromising style of football.
“He’s very confident for his age, and he brings toughness to the team,” Uate said.
“He’s got a lot to learn as well, but this weekend it will be good to have him back in the team and we’ll see how we go.”
