Mika plans to be more than just an impact weapon
BY BRETT KEEBLE
02 Dec, 2010 04:00 AM
THE explosive part of the game comes naturally to Knights project player Con Mika.
The endurance aspect remains a work in progress, and is the focal point of the 21-year-old Samoan internationals pre-season training program.
Mika played 10 NRL games this year, eight more than in 2009 and two less than he had targeted, but he made some valuable contributions off the bench as an impact player, and started four of Newcastles last six matches in the back row.
Knights coach Rick Stone plans to increase the quantity and quality of Mikas minutes in the middle next year, and expects him to improve.
With blokes like Con, youll find that most times its a gradual process and theyve got to keep playing some games and youve got to keep extending them a little bit further each game and get them to play a little bit more time, Stone said.
Stone said Mika had set a goal to play 12 games last season and he would have made it except he had a small hamstring strain and missed August games against the Bulldogs and Warriors.
He played some good games for us, and his consistency and his time on the field are probably the two things we need to keep working on with him, Stone said.
Particularly defensively, the effort on effort department, and being selective with his off-loads whether they be pre-line or post-line, theyre a couple of things were continuing to try to iron out with Con.
Hes a talented player, no doubt about it, and he probably just needs to know hes just as effective carrying the ball as he is passing the ball, because sometimes he gets into a habit of passing the ball before the line too much.
Hes a strong boy and he can play the ball quick for us, and hes got some power in his frame as well, so he takes a bit of stopping.
Just 18 at the time, Auckland-born Mika joined the Knights from the New Zealand Warriors midway through 2008 but was restricted to playing in the NSW Cup not in the NRL or National Youth Cup for the rest of that season.
He signed a 12-month contract extension late last season so he is now secure at the Knights until the end of 2012, and wants to build on his 12-game NRL career next year.
Obviously my aim is to cement a regular spot in the first-grade side. So far its been good at training so hopefully I can keep that going, said Mika, who is trying to increase his speed this summer, to complement his strength and ball skills.
Mika said representing Toa Samoa in two Tests in October a 22-6 victory over Pacific Island rivals Tonga at Parramatta Stadium after a 50-6 hammering at the hands of New Zealand in Wellington eight days earlier was the highlight of his still fledgling career.
It was a dream come true getting to play with those experienced players like Ali Lauitiiti and David Solomona, and hopefully I can bring that back to the club, the Otahuhu Leopards junior said.
International honours, its always a privilege, and hopefully it will make me a better player.
Stone said that representative experience would boost Mikas confidence.
Particularly the younger NRL players that get a go in those sort of games, I think they get a bit of confidence out of it, knowing they have climbed another rung on the ladder, Stone said. Theyre seen among their peers as a player that has potential and is obviously emerging.
