Press conference: Herman Ese'ese on Round 3
Despite some strong competition in the nib Newcastle Knights forward pack this season, Herman Ese’ese is determined to keep his starting spot in the front row.
He admits that the beginning of a game is always tough both physically and mentally, but his level of conditioning is where it needs to be to retain a starting spot.
“It’s something you can’t take for granted, so you’ve got to keep working hard. The first 20 minutes (of the game) is always tough but I’m used to it.”
Taking on the Sydney Roosters this Sunday evening at 6.30pm, Ese’ese admits that taking on their highly experienced forward pack may pose a challenge, but it’s one the team is ready for.
“Coming up against the Roosters forward pack, they have a lot of experience. In saying that, we have a lot of experience in our pack as well, we just need to go hard out there”.
The new recruit is prepared for a tough encounter with the Roosters, but prefers to guide his teammates through actions rather than words.
“I’m not much of a talker on the field, so I try to lead with my actions.”
“It’s our job in the middle to go forward. We try to do our job really well so the backs can come through and execute.”
The New Zealand born Knight also has dreams of someday running out for New Zealand, and is determined to produce his best at the Knights to make that happen.
“It’s about opportunity, coming down here and establishing myself as a starting front rower, and I’m doing that now,” he said.
“I’m born and raised in New Zealand, I moved over when I was 16... it’s always been a dream of mine to put on the black jersey so hopefully I keep playing consistent footy and earn it”.
