Cory Paterson's confidence on rise again after drought broken
BY ROBERT DILLON
THE smile on Cory Paterson's face said it all.
The towering Newcastle forward had more cause than most to savour Newcastle's season-salvaging 26-14 triumph against Melbourne on Monday night.
It was his first win since round six when the Knights beat the Dragons or 121 days to be precise.
The 22-year-old back-rower announced on April 24 that he was suffering from clinical depression and had been advised to stand down so he could receive treatment.
He did not return until July 4, and his first three games after launching his comeback resulted in losses to the Storm, Manly and the Roosters.
Struggling for confidence, he was elevated to Newcastle's starting side on Monday night and showed some much-welcome glimpses of the attacking skill and bruising defence that had many tipping him as a NSW Origin bolter earlier in the season.
"It was a case of me wanting to start contributing for the team," Paterson said.
"It was just personal.
"I haven't had the greatest year and I need to turn it around, so I thought I better pull my finger out."
The 2008 Prime Minister's XIII representative said Monday's result had helped restore his self-belief.
He revealed a pre-match dinner with Knights legends Paul Harragon, Tony Butterfield, Mark Hughes and Marc Glanville put him in the mood for a big performance.
"I took a lot out of the dinner with the Old Boys, listening to guys like Chief," he said.
"It hit home pretty strongly that I'm playing not just for myself, but for the town and everyone.
"I just really wanted to go out and have a big game."
Paterson vowed to keep improving and be in peak form for the play-offs.
Knights coach Rick Stone was delighted with Paterson's return to form and was hopeful he could give Newcastle some extra impact in the big games ahead.
"Pato has obviously been dealing with a few issues for a decent period now and he hasn't played much footy," Stone said yesterday.
"Any footy he plays and the team has a win, he's going to take some confidence out of that.
"Definitely he would have done that on Monday night.
"I'd still like him to get a little bit more involved, and we'll speak about that.
"But it was a tremendous boost to his confidence and I'm sure he'll get plenty out of it."
Paterson has been named as Newcastle's 18th man for Saturday night's clash with North Queensland, but he is likely to play if prop Danny Wicks is ruled out with a sternum injury.
Herald