Meet Nick Meaney.
He's the exciting youngster named to make his NRL debut for the nib Newcastle Knights on Friday against Parramatta.
The 20-year-old steps in for the injured Kalyn Ponga after several seasons of impressive football in the lower grades.
A ball runner with speed, Knights coach Nathan Brown believes Meaney couldn't have done any more to push his case for an opportunity.
While he'll love the Knights to take up a long-term deal with Canterbury-Bankstown, Brown said Meaney has earned his stripes.
"Kalyn's out and he deserves a chance," Brown declared.
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"He's our next best player in that position and also stops us from moving the whole team around.
"If we move Connor and bring someone in, we have to move three people for one.
"Even though Nick's leaving us, we're at that stage in our development where we want to win some games and we're probably doing Canterbury a bit of a favour but we're quite confident Nick will do the team and the club plenty of favours too and play well."
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A product of Ballina, Meaney had won two first grade Northern Rivers premierships as a teenager before linking with the Knights.
In his rookie season at the Club, he was awarded the Knights' NYC Player of the Year and last season claimed the Knights' ISP Player of the Year.
Having also worn the Blue for NSW in the under 20s Origin, Meaney is ready to grab his chance in the top grade.
"Pearcey came up to me straight away and we went through ha few plans and tactics," Meaney told newcastleknights.com.au.
"It helps me feel more comfortable going out with everyone know they're there to support me and they've got my back."
