BEING offered a position in the Wests Tigers top 30 National Rugby League squad for 2019 means Sam McIntyre is well within reach of a first grade debut.
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Currently in the second year of a three-year deal at Concord, the former Port Macquarie Shark is eyeing an appearance in the NRL.
If the last 12 months are any indication, that could happen before the end of the year.
McIntyre was recently mentioned by the Tigers as one of four young faces to watch when they start their 2019 campaign in March.
But he’s not fazed by it, preferring to welcome the opportunity with open arms.
“I won’t say there’s any pressure with it; it’s nice to be recognised like that, but as long as the team is going well, I’m happy,” McIntyre said.
“Knowing in the back of my mind I can play first grade this year, I always want to impress, but I know I can do it if I get my opportunity.
“That’s the only change from last year.”
The 20-year-old joined the Tigers in 2018 on a development contract that prevented him from playing first grade.
Now he has progressed beyond development level, the question is more about when McIntyre will make his debut, not if.
He feels it is a realistic goal as that is the reason why most players pick up a footy – fulfilling the dream of playing in the top grade.
“If it doesn’t happen this year, I can’t have my head down or anything, but when the time comes I’ll be ready,” he said.
The last 12 months have been a time which the second-rower has spent most of learning.
“It was my first year of full-time (last year),” he said.
“Now I want to build on that and keep getting better and try being consistent,” he said.
For now, McIntyre’s attention will be working on consistent performances with Western Suburbs after they made the semi-finals of the Intrust Super Premiership.
“I’d like to be a permanent fixture there, play some good footy and hopefully get a crack when my time comes,” he said.
“We made the semis last year so hopefully we can build on that and go all the way, I don’t see why we can’t.”
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