Newcastle Knight Jake Mamo is focused on this week's assignment of playing fullback in the team’s match against the Parramatta Eels on Monday night.
Mamo made a return from injury on the wing against the Wests Tigers on Saturday and is at full strength after an eight week hiatis due to back-to-back ankle injuries.
“I’m happy to be on the field, especially after the injury, it doesn’t really bother me where I am,” he said when asked about the shift to fullback.
“It’s a definitely a different position and you have to do more than when you’re on the wing.
“I’m going into the game to play as hard as I can and do us much as I can.”
Mamo moves into the number one jersey to replace Dane Gagai who this week was named in the Queensland team for State of Origin game one.
“I will be there this week and have some big shoes to fill with Gags gone for Origin,” he said.
While away from the field, Mamo focused all of his attention on regaining fitness and ensuring his ankle had the best opportunity to heal.
“Whenever you get any injury it is frustrating and especially the fact it reoccurred,” he said.
“It’s definitely good to be back and I’m looking forward to the last 15 rounds of the year.
“I think has been nearly seven or eight weeks now so you do lose a bit of fitness and strength in the legs.
“I haven’t done a lot of running in the last six weeks.
“With the longer turnaround we were able to monitor my load, so I’m just doing what I can at the moment.
“You have to build up to it slowly and am starting to get back into it now.”
The 21-year-old feels more comfortable in his ability and strength after testing himself in Saturday’s Round 11 match.
“I got through the game on the weekend so that gives me a lot of confidence,” he said.
“I was happy with getting through it, but there were definitely parts of the game I need to improve.
“I have build on that and put the time in on the field and make sure that (mistakes) doesn’t happen again.”
As the team returns to Hunter Stadium Monday night, Mamo says the Knights strive to deliver a win in front of a home crowd.
“We are always confident. We are training hard, putting in the work and are going out there to win,” he said.
“I thought they have played quite well the last couple of weeks…they will be just as desperate as us.”
