PORT Macquarie rugby league product Jeremy Latimore is ready to start reaping the rewards of a tough pre-season as he leads the Penrith Panthers into this weekend's Auckland Nines tournament.
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Latimore's leadership qualities have been clear over the past couple of years, leading to new Panthers coach Anthony Griffin giving him the captain's job for the nines.
The Panthers' first game is against the Tigers at 11.45pm Saturday, followed by the Knights at 3.15pm.
On Sunday, Latimore and co take on the Cowboys at 9.50am before the quarter finals begin that afternoon.
The Cowboys knocked the Panthers out of contention in the quarters last season.
"That wasn't a bad team to lose to," Latimore said, referring to the Cowboys going on to win the National Rugby League grand final.
"We didn't go too badly."
Latimore said the Panthers' plan was clear: Bust the opposition up the middle of the park.
"Generating quick play the balls is the aim," he said.
The 29-year-old is in the middle of the toughest pre-season he's played in yet. Latimore said he just wanted to take to the field.
"At this point, I'm just ready to play," he said.
The nines format has been tough in the heat of summer. Latimore has been in a world of hurt during training.
"It's torture, so fast," he said.
Captaining the team is the ultimate thrill for the forward.
"It's something I'm honoured to do," Latimore said.
"I'm pretty proud."
A Country jersey is one of Latimore's personal goals this season. He's surely been close to selection in the past.
"Country would be unreal," Latimore, who played in the Prime Minister's XIII against Papua New Guinea last year, said.
There are other, team-based aspirations, too.
"That Holy Grail, the Grand Final win," Latimore said.
The NRL journeyman has played 101 NRL games, with 56 of them for the Panthers.
He made 14 appearances for St George Illawarra, 24 for the New Zealand Warriors and seven for Parramatta.
The nines will be broadcast live on pay television.