Cordz316
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Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has given halfback Ben Roberts the ultimate incentive - play well against Newcastle on Sunday and the No.7 jumper is yours to keep.
With incumbent Brent Sherwin to miss the opening round of the NRL with an ankle injury, Roberts has been given first crack at the Bulldogs halfback spot.
Sherwin is expected to be available for the round two encounter against Penrith, but Folkes has told Roberts that the jumper is his to lose with Sherwin no certainty to slot straight back in.
"Absolutely (the halfback spot is up for grabs)," Folkes said.
"I think by his own admission (Sherwin's) form the last couple of years hasn't been fantastic, there's been patches of good games but he's been reasonably inconsistent.
"Ben's had four or five games in first grade and did well in all of those, it's certainly a chance for him.
"I guess it depends on him really, how he performs and how the team works with him at halfback and how his combination with Daniel Holdsworth goes."
It's a daunting first up assignment against one of the greatest to ever play the position in Andrew Johns, Roberts admitting he was more than a touch nervous heading into the encounter.
Johns didn't play in either of the Knights two trial matches due to a hamstring injury, but Roberts said he was expecting the champion playmaker to be at his best.
"Growing up and watching him play, it's just a privilege to play against him this week," Roberts said.
"I'm just excited to do that and see how I go against him.
"I'm a bit nervous, but I'm just trying to treat it like I've done every other game I've played."
It's a big year for Roberts, who is also coming off contract at the end of the season.
The Bulldogs have let his management know they are keen to retain him and the 21-year-old wants to stay, but a regular first grade spot is his top priority.
"I'm lucky enough to get a start due to Shifty's (Sherwin's) injury, now I've just got to make the most of it," Roberts said.
"Last year I was just hoping to get a spot in Premier League and maybe debut in the NRL, but this year it's a bit different, I've set a goal to try and get a jersey from one to 17 and here it is.
A strong start to the year may not end with just the Bulldogs No.7 jumper, Roberts keen to add to his one Test cap for New Zealand gained last year.
Doubt still surrounds Stacey Jones' availability for international football, the veteran playmaker reportedly having second thoughts over his representative retirement.
If Jones stays in international retirement Roberts would be in contention with the likes of Thomas Leuluai for the Kiwi halfback spot, the opportunity to line up alongside Benji Marshall in the Anzac Test an exciting proposition.
"There is (a Kiwi jumper on offer) but I try not to think about that too much," Roberts said.
"I suppose I have to play first grade before I get a Kiwi jersey.
"This year I'm just going to aim to get a consistent spot in first grade and if an opportunity with New Zealand comes so be it."
With incumbent Brent Sherwin to miss the opening round of the NRL with an ankle injury, Roberts has been given first crack at the Bulldogs halfback spot.
Sherwin is expected to be available for the round two encounter against Penrith, but Folkes has told Roberts that the jumper is his to lose with Sherwin no certainty to slot straight back in.
"Absolutely (the halfback spot is up for grabs)," Folkes said.
"I think by his own admission (Sherwin's) form the last couple of years hasn't been fantastic, there's been patches of good games but he's been reasonably inconsistent.
"Ben's had four or five games in first grade and did well in all of those, it's certainly a chance for him.
"I guess it depends on him really, how he performs and how the team works with him at halfback and how his combination with Daniel Holdsworth goes."
It's a daunting first up assignment against one of the greatest to ever play the position in Andrew Johns, Roberts admitting he was more than a touch nervous heading into the encounter.
Johns didn't play in either of the Knights two trial matches due to a hamstring injury, but Roberts said he was expecting the champion playmaker to be at his best.
"Growing up and watching him play, it's just a privilege to play against him this week," Roberts said.
"I'm just excited to do that and see how I go against him.
"I'm a bit nervous, but I'm just trying to treat it like I've done every other game I've played."
It's a big year for Roberts, who is also coming off contract at the end of the season.
The Bulldogs have let his management know they are keen to retain him and the 21-year-old wants to stay, but a regular first grade spot is his top priority.
"I'm lucky enough to get a start due to Shifty's (Sherwin's) injury, now I've just got to make the most of it," Roberts said.
"Last year I was just hoping to get a spot in Premier League and maybe debut in the NRL, but this year it's a bit different, I've set a goal to try and get a jersey from one to 17 and here it is.
A strong start to the year may not end with just the Bulldogs No.7 jumper, Roberts keen to add to his one Test cap for New Zealand gained last year.
Doubt still surrounds Stacey Jones' availability for international football, the veteran playmaker reportedly having second thoughts over his representative retirement.
If Jones stays in international retirement Roberts would be in contention with the likes of Thomas Leuluai for the Kiwi halfback spot, the opportunity to line up alongside Benji Marshall in the Anzac Test an exciting proposition.
"There is (a Kiwi jumper on offer) but I try not to think about that too much," Roberts said.
"I suppose I have to play first grade before I get a Kiwi jersey.
"This year I'm just going to aim to get a consistent spot in first grade and if an opportunity with New Zealand comes so be it."
i hope he does well!
