Wests Tigers winger Malakai Watene-Zelezniak says even he's been amazed with what the 2017 season has held for him as he prepares to finish the year on a winning note.
Facing the New Zealand Warriors at Leichhardt Oval with 13 games under his belt, it's been some year for the 26-year-old, who started the season in reserve-grade at the Panthers.
"It's been an amazing year for me," Watene-Zelezniak enthused.
"I approached it just trying to cement a spot and play some good footy.
"If I did that, I knew I would be improving as a player each week.
"There’s still a lot of improvement to go but I’m looking forward to the preseason and next season here at Wests Tigers to keep getting better as a player and a teammate.
“Since Ivan’s been here, I think the coaching staff with Sandy [Assistant Coach Craig Sandercock] and Webby [Andrew Webster] have really helped take my game to another level.
"I've definitely improved on a lot of things.
"I'm excited to see what the pre-season holds and what type of player I can be next year."
Having claimed a 79th minute match-winner in his last time out at Leichhardt Oval, Watene-Zelezniak said it was a huge advantage for the team to be able to end the year at home.
“All the boys are ready to finish the season on a high and finish strong," he said.
"Hopefully we can really lay something positive to take in to the next season.
“Playing at Leichardt Oval is amazing, the atmosphere, the fans, the crowd is all unreal.
"To be able to finish the season at Leichardt is a massive bonus for us."
See what Malakai Watene-Zelezniak had to say in full about the game in the video above!
Be there for our final home game of season 2017 and help farewell our departing players!
