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.
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.
