KEY POINTS:
Utility Michael Witt, looking to revive his National Rugby League fortunes with the New Zealand Warriors, says the ball is in his court as he gets an early chance to show his credentials.
The former Parramatta and Manly half will play at five-eighth in the Warriors' first outing of the year, against the Auckland Lions at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday.
"It's only a trial match and we'll be a little scratchy, but in saying that they will want to see how I perform," he said.
"It's certainly an opportunity to put my best foot forward, play well and try to cement a spot."
Witt, 23, agreed that this season would be a decisive one for his NRL career.
While he has made 40 first-grade appearances, he managed just one for the Sea Eagles last year after the arrival of Matt Orford.
"I still feel in myself that I have the ability to play at that level," he said.
"I guess this year is the year I have to get my career back on track and I'm certainly looking to do that."
As he languished in Manly's reserve grade team last season, Witt received the offer of a one-year contract with the Warriors.
He decided to accept after consulting with Warrior skipper Steve Price.
Both come from the Queensland city of Toowoomba, where Price, as a teenager, coached Witt's under-seven side.
The pair kept in touch when they were with different clubs in Sydney, with Witt describing Price as a mentor.
Witt said Price's assessment of Auckland and the Warriors helped to sway him.
"He told me how he and family loved it over here," he said.
"He had nothing but praise for the Warriors. He said they were a club on the rise and that helped me to make my decision."
Witt hoped his performances over the coming campaign might lead to an extended stay on this side of the Tasman.
"I just want be in the NRL," he said.
"I want to play as many games as possible and look to get a new contract at the Warriors. The ball is certainly in my court."
While Witt has operated at halfback, his most recent appearances have been at five-eighth, which he described as his preferred position.
The Warriors' incumbent No 6 is Jerome Ropati, who will be among a number of frontline players sitting out the encounter with the Lions.
The other absentees include Price, vice-captain Ruben Wiki, new signing Wade McKinnon, returning Warrior Logan Swann, halfback Nathan Fien, centre Simon Mannering and winger Manu Vatuvei.
The match will be controlled by former top NRL referee Bill Harrigan and will be on the final day of the week-long NRL community carnival in Auckland.
- NZPA
