‘Fresh as ever’: Paulo pushes past latest milestone
Tom Wark |
Parramatta prop Junior Paulo feels as fresh as ever on the eve of his 250th NRL game, brushing aside any suggestion he might be about to call it quits.
The former NSW front-rower wants to remain a key part of helping his young Eels squad to develop and build momentum after their dominant win over Newcastle.
The 31-year-old, who is contracted to the end of 2026, says his longevity is down to the way he’s changed his body to suit the rigours of modern rugby league.
“Especially with the drop in the weight and just adapting to the way the game’s moving,” Paulo said.
“Right now, I feel probably fresh as ever and want to be able to keep doing that.
“I’ve always said that while I still enjoy coming in each and every day I want to be able to keep doing what I love.”
Paulo wants to be remembered for how he has helped other players become first-grade regulars, but he’s not ready to hand over his spot just yet.
“The legacy I want to leave behind is to help that person coming through and keep continuing to make teammates better people around me,” Paulo said on Wednesday.
“Where I can, I hope to pass on a bit of knowledge and that comes with experience, to understand we are a young squad and we’re building towards something.”
Mitchell Moses has helped turn around Parramatta’s season, but the halfback and fellow NSW star Zac Lomax will miss Friday’s game against Manly because of State of Origin duties.
Paulo doesn’t expect replacement half Dean Hawkins to try to replicate how Moses plays.
“Dean’s been playing some outstanding footy back in (NSW) Cup over the last month or so,” Paulo said.
“We just need him to go out there and be the best version of himself.
“We’ve still got 16 other blokes who need to nail their job in order for Hawko to do his role and I think we’re building quite nicely.”
Eels outside back Sean Russell was full of praise for Paulo, saying the forward brings far more than his good singing to the Parramatta squad.
“Honestly, he’s one of the best leaders I’ve played with, what he does off the field,” Russell said.
“You see every week how important his leadership is and what he can do for our team, so I can’t wait to run out with him on his 250th.”
AAP
