He's already made a big impression in his first 13 weeks in the NRL but Canberra forward Ryan Sutton knows the standards expected of a world-class middle just by observing one of his team-mates.
The 23-year-old enjoyed arguably his best game for the Raiders in their shut-out win over the Wests Tigers, pulling off 46 tackles and making 163 metres from just 65 minutes of game time.
However, it's the consistency displayed by Josh Papalii that gives motivation for Sutton to reach what he is capable of as a player.
Papalii was outstanding in only 40 minutes for the Raiders off the back of Queensland's win in Origin I, with 179 run metres and 58 post-contact metres.
"That's the standard I want to get to, he's a real idol of mine at the moment because he does the little things you don't really see," Sutton said.
"He's just a really consistent player and that's what you look for in a leader. If I can be half the player 'Papa' is, I'll be happy."
Match Highlights: Wests Tigers v Raiders
Part of Sutton's evolution in 2019 is being able to start faster in games, especially if his role is limited to being more of an impact player.
"For me it takes me five or 10 minutes to get into the game, I'm not one of these people who can come on for 20 minute bursts and go off," he said.
"I feel like I can pace myself well, but when I am on for those 20-minute bursts I feel like I'm rushing.
"I've seen how tough the competition is and how the rotations change and if I can get better at that 20-minute stint when I know I'm coming on it's going to make me a better player."
After a horror injury toll threatened to derail an excellent start to the season, the Raiders are finally getting back more of their first-choice players.
Jordan Rapana admitted he was slightly relieved to reach the 80-minute mark still on the field against the Tigers, especially given it was a milestone game for the Kiwi winger.
Raiders find even more tricks to extend lead
"It was good to get through the game injury-free, to get to 100 games and get an awesome win," Rapana said.
"I've been here four or five years now, it's an awesome milestone and I think there's only been 43 players to play 100 games for the club."
Rapana has turned himself into one of the leaders at the Raiders but the 29-year-old admitted changes in the past needed to be made for him to reach his full potential.
"For me the biggest thing was taking my opportunities when they came, and I feel as though I've done that," he said.
"Some little things off field I needed to fix up, but really I got my opportunity and I took it with both hands.
"But I'm still here and absolutely loving it and I'm trying to be appreciative of that."
