Dyldam Parramatta Eels prop Junior Paulo says he’s thrilled to have another opportunity to state his case for a regular first-grade position in 2014.
Paulo has been named on the bench to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday afternoon at Pirtek Stadium, off the back of a solid performance in Monday night’s Johnny Mannah Cup.
“It’s always good to get a win,” Paulo said.
“I was glad that I got the opportunity to play last night, and I guess I took it with both hands. Hopefully I can back it up this week.”
The reshuffle of the Eels interchange bench ahead of the Johnny Mannah Cup saw fan favourite Fuifui Moimoi play in Wentworthville’s gritty win over the Sharks in NSW Cup in Round 9.
Paulo says he’s learning from the example Moimoi’s set for the rest of the squad during the week.
“It was hard but Fui was really professional about it,” Paulo said.
“He got behind the boys, came to training and wished us luck. He showed how happy he was for the boys and how much a part of the team he is; he’s a top player.”
