It has been a big week for 21-year-old Dylan Phythian, but the local junior has already got his sights firmly set on where he wants to be going next.
It was just last Tuesday he got the call to say he'd be playing in the NRL.
“I wasn’t expecting to make my debut this early, but everything came together and a dream came true,” he told the media on Tuesday afternoon following a recovery session.
“I’d like to stay around and help build the Club.
“Obviously we’re in a tough time at the moment but I’d like to see it improve in the next few years.”
Head coach Nathan Brown has confirmed that Phythian will be playing first grade again this weekend, and it will be another big opportunity for the rookie.
Playing in a pub team for the Belmont South Rabbitohs just two years ago, the utility looked remarkably comfortable in the NRL last weekend.
“I haven’t done much training with the first grade squad, I had one session last year when I had the day off work and they told me to come in and get a bit of experience,” he explained.
“Last Tuesday was the first main session I had, and then I went on to do the rest of the week.”
Phythian is training with the NRL squad full time again this week, and will no doubt be looking to familiarise himself with the hooking role.
“One or six is my preferred position, but I was playing hooker for the third or fourth time (against the Rabbitohs) and enjoyed it,” he said.
“Wherever I can help out, I just enjoy being on the field having fun with all the boys.”
The team is preparing to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons at Jubilee Oval this Saturday, and Phythian will no doubt be looking to make his mark on the game.
