Wests Tigers forward Josh Aloiai says he feels blessed to have had the rookie season he's had so far, having featured in every single game for the Club this year.
Joining Wests Tigers in the off-season from Parramatta, Aloiai was a somewhat surprise inclusion on the bench for the Club's Round 1 win over the New Zealand Warriors — consolidating that position in the squad into a starting position over the last few months.
With every week, the 20-year-old rookie has grown into his role on the right edge, winning his first Player's Player Award in Round 20, before backing that effort up again with strong performances against the Parramatta Eels and North Queensland Cowboys last weekend.
And while Aloiai knows there's still plenty to work on in his game, there was no hiding his excitement and pride in what has been a dream season for the former Junior Kiwi forward.
"I really feel truly blessed to have played coming on 20 games now," Aloiai said.
"Just being surrounded by the great bunch of people here — it's a bit overwhelming really.
"I'm always trying to learn every week and get better.
"Honestly, all the boys have been too good to me to take me under the wing and help me out, and I can only thank them all for the way they've helped me settle in to the NRL."
Yet to miss a single game this season, Aloiai spoke of the confidence in the team at the moment after three consecutive wins, but said there was another big test this weekend.
"The fact we're playing a real griding style of footy is good," he said.
"Everyone is digging deep for each other — that's where our confidence comes from.
"We've got a lot of energy and really positive heading into the week."
See what Josh had to say about the game and his season in the video above!
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