NRL: Maumalo's remarkable transformation

NZ Warriors Ken Maumalo. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Ken Maumalo never expected to play NRL this year but three impressive showings on the Warriors' right wing have capped a remarkable transformation for the former under 20s back-rower.

With front-line wing contenders Ngani Laumape (ACL), David Fusitu'a (shoulder, groin), and Glen Fisiiahi (knee) all battling injuries, Maumalo has stepped up in place of the more experienced Jonathan Wright to hold his spot for today's away game against the Gold Coast Titans.

The towering 20-year-old is quickly building a reputation as a powerful metre-eater and reliable ball carrier, but that wasn't always the case, with handling errors regularly blighting his performances in the Holden Cup.

"I didn't think I was going to debut this year from how I was playing last year with handling errors," Maumalo explained.

"I was pretty terrible at the high ball a couple of years ago but that's something I've knuckled down on and really worked hard on.

"I've tried to work on my ball security and had a tough pre-season. I worked hard and was focussed on what I wanted to do this year, and that was obviously to debut and play a couple of games, so it's good."

He finished 2014 contributing a try in the Warriors under 20s grand final win over the young Broncos but was not expected to come into first grade calculations until coach Andrew McFadden recognised his work ethic and determination to improve.

After featuring in the NRL Auckland Nines, Maumalo starred with two tries in the pre-season trial against Penrith, and was rewarded with round one selection against the Newcastle Knights.

However, a hamstring strain at the final team run the day before the game robbed him of that opportunity and it took until round 10 to make his first start against the Parramatta Eels, before playing in the last two losses to the Rabbitohs and Roosters.

McFadden is excited about Maumalo's potential and impressed with the manner in which he handled his NRL introduction.

"He is certainly adding a lot of value to us and I think everyone can see that, so whilst he's doing that he holds his position," McFadden said.

"We've played a couple of tough teams and for a young guy coming up against the Rabbitohs and then Roosters, that's no easy feat, and he's gone straight into them head on.

"He's a pretty fearless guy. He's big and he gives us that Manu (Vatuvei)-like carry out of yardage and he's been really strong with the high ball as well."

The Titans are facing some possible disruption, with captain Nate Myles potentially missing tonight's match due to a foot injury from State of Origin II.

The Queensland prop suffered the injury early in the loss to NSW at the MCG on Wednesday night and was sent for scans to determine the extent of the damage.

If Myles is ruled out, Gold Coast second-rower Ryan James is tipped to skipper the side for another week after deputising in last weekend's impressive win over Canterbury.

Meanwhile, former Kiwis international Kevin Locke has quit UK Super League club Salford amid an ongoing pay dispute.

The Manchester Evening News report that Locke's Leeds based solicitor, Richard Cramer, confirmed the 26-year-old's departure and said his client was seeking unpaid wages from the Red Devils.