Intimidating Roosters interchange prop Kane Evans is already a scary prospect after only four NRL games. At 192cm, Evans dwarfs every surrounding individual with ease.
But don't let that fool you. While loitering around the sheds at Parramatta Stadium after the Roosters 14-12 loss to the Eels last Saturday night, 22-year-old Evans appeared startled when asked for an interview when leaving the away sheds.
When it came down to footy talk though Evans was happy to open up, especially when it came to his recent experiences at the World Cup playing for Fiji with the likes of the Sims brothers and legend Petero Civoniceva – whose actions spoke louder than words for Evans out on the paddock.
"[Playing for] Fiji developed me as a player. Playing with Petero Civoniceva, all the Sims brothers and all those players – they really taught me and they led me," Evans told NRL.com. "If it wasn't for that trip and those players I wouldn't be here where I am today.
"[Petero] showed me through his actions especially him being a prop and with me being the young pup of the bench it was sort of like the old bull and the young bull. I tried to follow his lead and he showed me the ropes."
Recently re-signing with the Roosters for a further three years, Evans said he was thrilled with the opportunities awarded to him in his short career so far.
"I'm on top of the world, cloud nine now but I just got to try and work harder and cement my spot," Evans said.
"It's still crazy thinking about going up against the big-name players. It's still a dream come true though but very crazy.
"It's a great club I've been here since I was 17 years old. They were the first club that picked me up and to stay here for another three years, I'm just blessed."
Having carved out on average five runs for 50.05 metres and 13.25 tackles per game with limited minutes on the field, the rookie has taken all the right steps towards making a career out of rugby league – crediting the Roosters' senior players for easing his mind while acknowledging he's still a work in progress.
"The older boys make it fun and you also learn a lot from them so I'm at the best place I can be for rugby league I reckon as a player," he said.
"For me, I think I've got to work on my defence. That's a big thing at our club and trying to learn how to offload like Sonny [Bill Williams]."
While he may be slightly intimidated being caught off guard by journalists lurking in the shadows, you'd be mistaken if he felt the same way on the field.
Evans will line up for his fifth NRL game this Saturday night as his side look to snap up a three-game losing streak against a struggling Sharks outfit.
