JOE OFAHENGAUE insists he will improve after making a solid Super League debut for Leigh in the Leopards’ win over Catalans at Magic Weekend on Saturday.
Ofahengaue made 24 tackles, three tackle busts, 21 carries and 155 metres in his first game for his new club after joining from Parramatta.
“The whole week and a half has been different, but I really looked forward to it to as soon as I signed the contract,” he said.
“I’m just challenging myself to prepare well. I had some advice from some players and coaches from back home and that’s what I’ve done, I’ve trained and put in some work with the boys.
“They’ve been very welcoming and Lammy (Adrian Lam) has been welcoming, he’s such a great coach. For the young group that we’ve got, the way he addresses them is very clear about my job. It was good to get a run. One day a week as footy players we get to switch off and just play footy – it’s been good.”
The prop only arrived in the UK a week and a half ago and had just three training sessions before the match at St James’ Park.
“I pride myself on the way I prepare for a game,” he said.
“Our leadership group here is so good. Lammy has been in the game for years, it’s easy to talk to him and he runs me through the week our shapes and our defensive calls that I needed. It’s a reflection of the coach’s leadership as well that players are very welcoming.”
Ofahengaue is confident he will get better with more games under his belt.
“I look forward to the challenge,” he said.
“I’m 28 hours out of my comfort zone. It’s been very testing but I’ve just been really dialled in to trying to put my best foot forward for next week.
“I got 60 minutes (at St James’ Park), it was good to blow some cobwebs out but I expect to get better each week.”
The 29-year-old praised the atmosphere at Magic Weekend and the noise generated by the supporters, and believes the NRL can learn from their English counterparts.
“I want the NRL fans to be like the England fans,” he said.
“The songs, chanting and cheering are amazing. The NRL could take from Super League the way the fans interact with the players, the way they sing songs and how proud they are. The NRL are miles behind in that area. It was amazing.”
