Dyldam Parramatta Eels new recruit Scott Schulte says the opportunity to crack into a NRL side was his defining decision to move to the Blue and Gold.
Making the move from Townsville at the end of the 2015 season, the 20 year old has settled into his new home in Sydney.
“I thought the move would be a bit of a struggle coming from a smaller town to the big city but everyone at the club has made it real easy. Everyone here is really friendly and I feel quite welcome here,” Schulte said of the move to the Eels.
“It was just a great opportunity when I was offered a contract down here to play with the Eels,” he added.
“A huge opportunity and I have always wanted to play in the NRL and I might have the chance here.”
The outside back featured heavily in the Cowboys U20’s campaign, scoring 17 tries in 21 games as his side reached the semi finals of the competition.
Schulte has gained plenty of confidence from last season, and hopes to bring that form into the Blue and Gold.
“We had a good year last year [the Cowboys U20’s side] and I have taken quite a bit of confidence out of last year and hopefully I can bring it here to play some consistent footy here.”
The 20 year old has enjoyed his time at the Eels, relishing the opportunity to learn from his fellow teammates and coaching staff.
“There are some very high experienced players here in the backline so I have been learning quite a lot from them. They are also quite happy to give me tips that I take on board and have been really helping me to improve,” Schulte said.
“The coaches have been really good and provide me with some great feedback,” Schulte said of the Eels coaching staff.
“Everyday you can go and see them, and run through some video with you, and they can give you some feedback, things to work on, and things you are doing well. Brad is really honest so he gives it to you straight which is really helpful,” he added.
With plenty of other potential outside backs putting their hands up during the preseason, Schulte is hoping to put his best foot forward during the pre-season with the hopes of impressing in the upcoming trials and 2016 NRL Dick Smith Auckland Nines.
“It’s definitely a goal [the upcoming trials and Auckland Nines]. I want to try and get as many tries as I can and show what I am capable of,” Schulte said of his outlook on the year ahead.
“There is some very experienced wingers already in the team but hopefully I get that opportunity at some point this year.”
The Eels pre-season schedule is confirmed, with the Blue and Gold taking part in the 2016 NRL Dick Smith Auckland Nines, pre-season trials against the Gold Coast Titans and Penrith Panthers and a Blue and Gold Army Festival.
