Redcliffe winger Numambo ready for physical encounter with Capras
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Redcliffe Dolphins winger Steven Numambo is pumped to be in the finals mix in his first year of playing Hostplus Cup.
The Papua New Guinea-born speedster, who grew up in Mt Isa, has scored eight tries in 15 appearances after making his Cup debut in Round 1, including a double against Mackay Cutters in the final round of the season.
"Just grateful to be here," Numambo said.
"It feels good just having the opportunity to be here, playing finals. The hard work we've put in throughout the season, getting here... everyone wants to play finals footy, so yeah, this feels good."
The 23-year-old's love of rugby league developed at Kirwan State High School in Townsville, where he moved from Mt Isa.
"Started off in Mt Isa and then I moved to Townsville and went to Kirwan.... played school footy there, got picked up by Canberra Raiders and I stuck with them from 2020 until last year," he said.
"Then I got a call from Benny Te'o, came up and here I am.
"My old school coach, Todd Wilson, at Kirwan, guided me through a lot.
"He made me see that I could play footy and what I have in store so that really pushed me."
Match: Dolphins v Capras
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
away Team
Capras
6th Position
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Numambo - dad to seven-week-old Amaya Ann Dorothy Numambo - said he thoroughly enjoyed learning from Te'o and being part of the Redcliffe system.
"Benny is all about tough footy... he loves his contact, hard work. We don't really do many attacking plays, just tough footy, he says... so that's what I've learned," Numambo said.
"With Norths last week we just weren't up for it. At the start of the game we were and then I think we thought that we might've had it too early on... they're a hot team... they came out hard and then we just couldn't hold them.
"Our goal (for the Capras game) is obviously to win but we know from our side, from versing the Devils, we weren't physical enough... it's either our last game or the game that takes us further into finals... so we need to go out there and be physical and show them what we can do.
"Leave everything out on the park."
Numambo, quite dangerous when there's a kick-chase, added his focus areas included defence, completing, holding the ball and no errors.
"Eyes up footy," he said.
"This week, I'm looking forward to playing Anthony Milford. Last time, Milford was Milford, he did what he does... last time we went up and versed Rocky he put on a show so hopefully we can shut him down this weekend."
Numambo said his Redcliffe team - "100 per cent the better of the Dolphins feeder clubs" - was definitely one that could go all the way.
Looking beyond finals, Numambo is keen to continue to work hard to secure a train-and-trial or development contract with an NRL club, but right now, is "focusing on trying to make the grand final".
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