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http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/4780335/Kevin-Locke-a-late-starter-for-Warriors
Kevin Locke wants to make the most of his unexpected inclusion in the Warriors side to play the Tigers on Saturday, saying he's desperate to improve on "an average year" in 2010.
Locke takes over on the right wing after rookie Glen Fisiiahi failed concussion tests after copping a blow from Eels giant prop Fuifui Moimoi in last weekend's loss to Parramatta at Eden Park.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary announced the late change today and Locke, who had a strong preseason, says he's ready to go.
"Last year I was feeling nervous but not as nervous as this. It's like making another debut," Locke said, admitting the depth in the wing position has him on edge.
He's bulked up by 3kg in the offseason and says he's now feeling comfortable with the added weight.
He wants to regain some consistency in his game after a hit-and-miss campaign last year as he took his NRL tally to 29 matches.
"Last year wasn't good ... a pretty average year. I want to turn that around and certainly prove a point," he said.
Cleary is backing Locke to step up: "Kevin's arguably had the best couple of months he's had since I've been here," he had observed. "He's probably a little unlucky he didn't make the first team. I think he's in good form."
It's a big assignment in Sydney though where he will mark Lote Tuqiri and joked that he "might just have to go for the knees", a not so subtle reference to the way Manu Vatuvei was lowered and injured by a Parramatta tackle last weekend.
"I don't think my head's too strong but we'll see how it goes."
Meanwhile, Fisiiahi will use his week off to look at ways to bounce back from his disappointing debut where his deficiencies under the high ball were exposed by Jarryd Hayne's powerful boot.
"You can have all the excuses in the world but it comes down to desperation and how much you want that ball. We just didn't have it," Fisiiahi said, making no excuses.
"I had a talk with Ivan during the week and he said they would target me. I was prepared for that but during the game I couldn't catch them," he regretted.
"It's not the way I wanted to play the first game. There were some good parts and bad parts. I guess I just had one of those nights."
