Ata Hingano made a stunning Warriors debut in the weekend despite his team going down 34-6 to the North Queensland Cowboys.
The 19-year-old played for 63 minutes, running for 74 metres with the ball and making one tackle. He also set up Ryan Hoffman's try.
"Playing your first game of first grade, you want to be out there and I was excited," Hingano says.
The numbers suggest Hingano made a good debut, but he was not overly satisfied with his first game.
"There are a few areas I can definitely work on and develop."
Even though the Pakuranga College star was not satisfied, he caught the eye of Cowboys superstar Jonothan Thurston.
"He was talking to one of his players, and cut the conversation short because he saw me.
"He came over and congratulated me and said ‘keep your head high’."
The Warriors face a must-win clash against the West Tigers on Sunday afternoon and with lots on the line, Hingano remains relaxed heading into the game.
"If we can focus on how we play and what we control, we should be sweet."
Click above for the full interview with Ata Hingano.
Newshub.
