Boom Newcastle Knights forward Herman Ese'ese says he wants Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown to give him more game time in the lock position throughout the Telstra Premiership season.
The 23-year-old joined the Knights in the off-season on a three-year deal from the Brisbane Broncos.
He is more experienced in the front row but played lock in the pre-season trial against Parramatta and he loved every minute of it.
"Hopefully, I do keep the number 13," Ese'ese said.
"I'm really looking forward to a bit of ball playing and playing longer minutes."
The New Zealander moved to the club from the Broncos last year and describes the feeling in the camp ahead of Friday night's Telstra Premiership season opener against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles as fresh and rejuvenated.
"It's been pretty tough with 9 or 10 players walking into the team," Ese'ese said.
"It's been a long pre-season, but everyone has done well with testing out the combinations.
"I think the boys are used to playing with each other now."
After making his debut in 2015, the forward has played 31 games at the top level.
Ese'ese says it will not be an easy opening match, with talent right across the Manly roster.
"Manly have a good roster right across the paddock," Ese'ese said.
"We've been doing a lot of homework on their key players and it should be a good test for us in our first round.
"We just have to do a good job on them.
"And with this new side, I am sure we will be able to a lot of good things throughout the season."
While he joked that he'd have to avoid running at the Sea Eagles Marty Taupau, he is not afraid to get in and get his hands dirty.
"It's my job to run hard, tackle hard and get quick play the balls so we can make metres," Ese'ese said.
"I'll be trying to do my job well."
