League: Youngsters need to keep up good work

Sam Lisone has performed strongly in the opening rounds. Photo / Getty Images

Lisone and Vete impress veteran who warns of the mental pressure ahead.

Young interchange front-rowers Sam Lisone and Albert Vete have been strong performers for the Warriors over the opening rounds of the NRL, and senior prop Jacob Lillyman says the challenge for the pair is to maintain their high standards.

The 127-game NRL veteran has been impressed with the pair's work ethic and raw enthusiasm since they took the field during the round one defeat to Newcastle, but cautions that both still have much to learn.

"They've been good," was Lillyman's straightforward assessment. "They've started really strongly and the test with the NRL is to be consistent and to keep that going."

At just 21 and 22 years of age, Lisone and Vete still have plenty of maturing to do, both physically and in terms of mastering the not-so subtle tactics of front-row play.

Lillyman has no doubts over their ability to handle the rough stuff but says the mental battle to prepare for each week of football can take its toll.

"These young blokes won't take a backward step," he said. "They've played with maturity beyond their years and it's a credit to them the way they've come through.

"It's tough as a young guy. I know coming from experience, because you're on such a high playing first grade every week, it's hard to maintain that.

"It's such a big step up and you rise to the occasion. You rise a couple of times before you hit that flat spot and that's the challenge for young guys."

Lisone credits the influence of Lillyman, and fellow props Ben Matulino and Sam Rapira, for easing his transition into the top grade.

"Bull [Lillyman] and Sam Rapira are always there, talking to me about my game, which is pretty good," Lisone said. "Benny Mats is usually my roomie when we go away so he gives me a chat about the games and when to get my rest.

"Cappy [coach Andrew McFadden] chooses on form, not reputations, so I've just got to keep on performing for the team. If I do that I'll have a good chance of playing every week."

Watching the younger players develop their game has been encouraging for Lillyman, as he admits to having struggled throughout the Warriors' first three games.

A knee operation at the end of last year limited the running the 31-year-old Queensland rep could manage during the pre-season and he began their campaign short on fitness.

"I was a bit disappointed with my round one performance," he said. "I started good enough but blew out and they had a bit of ball and it was quick in the middle. It was a good wake-up call for me."

A bad miss on flying Knights winger Akuila Uate followed before Lillyman was benched, getting though just 20 minutes, but McFadden has been understanding about his predicament.

"He could have blasted me but he didn't, he talked to me and said he knew I was underdone and that he'd build my minutes back up to where they were. I'm just trying to lift and improve every week."

Tomorrow's 20th anniversary match against the Brisbane Broncos is shaping up as the match of the round and Lillyman says the Warriors are determined to impress.

"It's a massive milestone and it's always a big game against the Broncos. It will be a big occasion and we want to reward our fans and the club and everyone involved and make it a special day."