Warriors interchange forward Ligi Sao is a perfect example of persistence. He's largely been a forgotten man at the club, but has played a key part in their mini-revival over the last fortnight.
After spending most of the last year in reserve grade, Sao made his mark two weeks agoin Brisbane, a prominent part of their second half comeback against the St George Illawarra. He provided muscle up the middle, as well as some timely offloads, which created panic in the Dragons defensive line.
"Watching from the sidelines the boys were going through some tough times," recalled Sao. "We had to bring on some line speed, carry the ball, and hang in there ... it's the attitude I tried to take on."
It was a remarkable effort, considering it was only his third NRL appearance since April last year.
Sao, who will feature tomorrow night against the Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium, played in the first four games of 2018, before being relegated to reserve grade, making only one more appearance in the top side.
This year, he featured in the home win against the Titans (round four), before the recall in round nine. Otherwise, he has been plugging away in the second tier Canterbury Cup.
It's not ideal but Sao, 26, takes a team first attitude.
"Every week you want to play your best footy, for whatever team you are in," said Sao.
"That's what you do for your mates next to you, you want to go out there to win. You need to be patient. Even though you are working hard ... you have to think, surely something will pop up."
A Warriors junior, Sao's breakout year was at Manly in 2015 (20 matches) but he been a fringe player since he returned to Mt Smart in 2016.
"It's how you approach it from the start of the week," said Sao.
"If you are going to approach it with a negative attitude, the outcome is not going to be great. If you approach it with a positive attitude, you'll be fine.
"I'm been playing reserve grade 50-50 for the majority of the years I have been in the NRL. I have learned over the years you just have to enjoy it, whatever you do."
Coach Stephen Kearney has been impressed.
"He does all the little things well," he said. "Kick pressure, kick chase, the effort areas. He had been performing consistently well at [reserve grade] level and when the opportunity presented itself he took it."
Off contract at the end of this year, Sao is playing for a new deal.
"[If you] play good football the rest will take care of itself," said Sao. "It's football. You have to be patient and keep working hard."
