St George Illawarra Dragons centre Nathan Green was excited to make his first-grade season debut in the 20-10 victory against the New Zealand Warriors at Kogarah on Saturday.
The Renown United junior was included in the Red-and-Whites after centre Dylan Farrell was ruled out with a ruptured pectoral muscle and underwent surgery mid-week.
Despite his teammate’s unfortunate injury, the 22-year-old sees this as an opportunity to cement his place in the Red V and hopes to be in the starting side when they take on the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park on ANZAC Day.
“It was great to get back out there with the boys; I was playing in the NSW Cup for a bit and compared to this it’s a completely different game of football,” said Green.
“I have to try to do my part for the side now that I’m back in the first-grade squad and although it’s a tough game, we need to pull together and do our best.
“I was playing my best footy for the Cutters while I was there and waiting for the opportunity to come back in the side; it’s unfortunate what happened to Dylan Farrell because he’d been playing some really good footy.
“I hope I can fill in the spot well and play some consistent football there while I can.
“I see this as a good opportunity to cement my place in the first grade side over the next couple of weeks, I just need to be consistent, prepare, and play well.
“I need to keep doing my part for the team and keep getting those wins; if I do that, I’m well on my way to getting a relatively permanent spot in the side.
“Coming into the squad later in the week I didn’t notice anyone being down over the decision when we played against the Storm.
“We need to get over it quick and we realised that what’s done is done and we need to take the positives from the game and not dwell on the negatives.
“A hundred percent I’d love to play in the ANZAC Day match; the boys are really excited about it and talk about it being one of the best games of the year.”
