NZ Warriors coach Stacey Jones is already seeing the dividends of naming rookie Ronald Volkman in his team to take on the Penrith Panthers on Saturday.
The 19-year-old will make his NRL debut in the halves, alongside veteran Shaun Johnson, after turning out for Queensland Cup team Redcliffe over the past few weeks.
Jones believes the surprise selection is already paying off amongst the playing group, and hopes the milestone can bring a much-needed boost in morale after six-straight defeats.
"It's exciting that we're going to be able to give a kid a debut. When I spoke to him he was dead excited, I think he needs about 100 tickets for his family to come to the game," he said.
"Things like that boost the other players too, knowing that a kid is being given a debut. We just need something in this group right now to bring some energy.
"We're not relying on Ronald to make some miracle plays but it certainly gives a bit of boost and positivity around the group.
"We just felt that we needed to make a change and he's been playing some real good footy for Redcliffe.
"He's electric on his feet, he moves well, plays deep into the line and has a very handy kicking game."
Volkman's inclusion sees Chanel Harris-Tavita drop to the bench, who recently signalled his intention to take a break from the game following the conclusion of the NRL season.
Jones is hoping the move will relieve Harris-Tavita of some pressure and also provides the Warriors greater cover.
"We definitely needed something in the halves and also the balance of the bench," he said.
"Chanel will go back to the bench and we know where he's at with his footy, and what his focus is and him being on the bench can take a bit of pressure off of him.
"He can also add a lot of dynamic to our bench too. He'll cover Wade Egan, he'll cover the halves and he can also cover the outside backs."
Jones also sees the change as an ideal opportunity for Volkman to play with an experienced half like Johnson before the Warriors return home to New Zealand.
"He's [Johnson] struggling off the field with a couple of things and we've spoken to him and his focus is to get through this week and he can see some light at the end of the tunnel and get home," he said.
"I really want Shaun to be a part of the first game at home but for him, he needs to focus on this and then he can think about getting home."
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