NRL: Locke reflects on big debut

Kevin Locke scored two tries during his first grade debut for the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

Kevin Locke's immediate goal is to keep his feet on the ground after a National Rugby League debut that surpassed his wildest dreams.

The 20-year-old's first taste of NRL football netted him two tries as the New Zealand Warriors halted a three-match losing streak with a 14-0 win over the Wests Tigers in Auckland yesterday.

Locke broke the deadlock 10 minutes from halftime when he cut inside from his wing to take a pass from centre Jerome Ropati and force his way past two defenders.

Then, in the final minute, he sealed his side's victory with a carbon copy effort, again taking an inside ball from Ropati before crossing over.

His conversion of fullback Wade McKinnon's early in the second half helped him to a personal haul of 10 points in cold and windy conditions that made for low-scoring at Mt Smart Stadium.

Afterwards, Locke was anxious not to get carried away with what had happened.

"I just want to stay on my two feet and not get ahead of myself, not get big-headed," he said.

"I hope I have many years ahead of me, but this is just the beginning."

Locke got his first-grade call-up after continuing to impress for the Junior Warriors.

He had hoped to play well against the Tigers, fearing a limp performance could mean he went off the radar, but scoring two tries was something else.

"The first one, I went inside Jerome and all I saw was the two defenders," he said.

"I dived and the ball was over the line and I couldn't believe it. I was just so excited. I though, 'Oh my God, I've just scored.'

"The second try was in the last 30 seconds and that was a big buzz too."

Apart from his two touchdowns, Locke displayed plenty of promise in other aspects of his game, with some good footwork on attack and secure touches on defence.

His usual position of fullback was also evident as he dealt safely with the kicks the Tigers directed his way.

"I was pretty confident," he said.

"I had thoughts going though my head like 'I hope I catch it', but I practise week-in week-out with those high balls."

Coach Ivan Cleary said he always believed Locke would acquit himself well, describing his as "a football player".

"He's got a lot of confidence," Cleary said.

"I was pretty comfortable he could handle it as long he started well. He's a pretty exciting kid. He's obviously got a pretty big future."

The Warriors' victory, just their second in nine matches, lifted them one place to 10th on the ladder.

They travel next week to Cronulla to face the bottom-of-the-table Sharks, who ended a nine-match losing streak by beating Parramatta 13-10 on Saturday.

- NZPA