Impressive Storm youngster Ryan Papenhuyzen admits it's been frustrating to have started so many games from the bench this season.
Papenhuyzen made a rare start for the Storm during their 24-8 victory over the Titans on Sunday, with regular halfback Brodie Croft rested and first-choice fullback Jahrome Hughes moving into the halves.
The exciting utility back didn't disappoint as he scored his seventh try of the season and ran for an impressive 239 metres in his fourth start of 2019.
Papenhuyzen's efforts came just a week after he was afforded just three minutes off the bench during the Storm's loss at home to the Raiders.
The 21-year-old said it was tough to watch on during that contest as his side failed to deal with a fellow premiership contender.
"It was a little bit frustrating last week," Papenhuyzen said after the Storm's win over the Titans.
Match Highlights: Storm v Titans
"It is easy to look back in hindsight and say what if I got on earlier but that happens.
"I am happy to play wherever, so it was good to get that opportunity today."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy is generally loath to make too many major positional changes to his spine this close to the finals, but Papenhuyzen's performance against the Titans is likely to provide food for thought.
"I think it is another thing Craig has got to decide on," Papenhuyzen said.
"Just who does he want as his spine, as everyone is sort of capable of doing it.
"Brodie played in the finals last year, so if he needs to come back and play he is ready to go as well.
Papenhuyzen gets the lead back for Melbourne
"We are all pretty confident, we just need to work on our combinations."
Papenhuyzen and the Storm now turn their attention to a huge round 24 match against traditional rivals Manly at Lottoland on Saturday evening.
A victory in Sydney will see the Storm clinch the minor premiership, while the Sea Eagles will be out to maintain their spot inside the top four following a nail-biting 18-14 triumph over the Raiders on Sunday.
Papenhuyzen was given just 26 minutes off the bench when the Sea Eagles stunned the Storm 11-10 in golden-point extra-time in Melbourne last month and the Storm youngster is hoping for a different result this time around.
"Brookie is a tough place to go wherever they are on the ladder," Papenhuyzen noted.
"But they are actually up there [inside the top four] this year, they are a pretty good side and they showed that when they came down here.
"We will take a lot of confidence from our away record ... so hopefully we can replicate that and do what we didn’t do last time."
