With the Sharks possessing a collection of quality backrowers, Scott Sorensen needed to show some patience, work hard and to take his opportunity when it arrived.
And the local Sharks junior, returning to the club after a three-year absence, managed to do all the above.
When injury interrupted the seasons of a couple of those in front of him, Sorensen's outstanding form for the Newtown Jets couldn't be ignored, with coach Shane Flanagan throwing him a chance to impress and he grabbed it with both hands.
In his first outing in the NRL team in 2018, Sorensen had the home crowd on its feet, scoring arguably the most exciting try of 2018, a 40-metre solo effort through the heart of the Panthers defence in a round seven victory at Shark Park.
From there Sorensen continued to improve, develop and press his claims, to where the coach found a place for him in his team on 14 more occasions in the 20 remaining matches, including all three finals games, in a testimony to his ability to play at the top level.
As a reward for his consistent efforts, was named in an extended Tongan squad for their end of year clash with the Aussies and while he didn't make the final team, Sorensen's selection showed he is starting to be noticed.
An outstanding trainer, Sorensen would be expected to excel during the summer months and if so, chances are he will get more opportunity in the Sharks NRL team during 2019.
Stats
Photo of the Year
That feeling you get when you burst through the line to beat a number of defenders and cross for your first every try in the NRL!
2019 – What's ahead
Coming into 2018 with just five games of NRL experience, Scott Sorensen became a reliable regular in the Sharks top squad as the season progressed. His challenge in 2019 is to continue to improve and to make a backrow spot his own next year.
