In this week's episode, we sit down with Roosters flying winger Matt Ikuvalu, who talks to us about his recent form in the 2021 season and what coach Robinson said to give him the confidence and belief he needed to cement his spot in the side.
Ikuvalu also talks about his proud Tongan heritage, his family life off the field, recently becoming a father and the role his family plays in his life. We review our game with Parramatta and preview our upcoming clash with the Cowboys in this weekend's Magic Round!
With the arrival of his first son earlier in the year, Ikuvalu pinpointed the moment head coach Trent Robinson instilled the confidence to become a regular first-grader for season 2021.
"I definitely feel a lot more confident in myself and my ability," Ikuvalu said.
"So I think that's what was really giving me the chance to prove myself and under these sad circumstances, with Bmoz (Brett Morris), I'm happy that he's really got behind me. He's helped me a lot as well the last few weeks.
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"But I think this year I've got the confidence and I think last year in my head I was the fill-in, but this year I've just got that that confidence where I know I can be a starting player week in, week out.
"I remember he (Robinson) called me in the office and this was just after Harvey was born and it was during pre-season. I was kind of struggling at training a bit just with less sleep and the travel. He just said to me: 'I know you're tired, but I need you to switch on a bit because I'm going to need you for this year'.
"That kind of gave me the confidence that I know I am next in line behind Bmoz and (Daniel) Tupou. But if I'm called upon, I need to be ready. So I think that's just what switched my mindset on. I know that he's got confidence and trust in me. So, yes, that's given me a big boost."
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