Jesse Arthars knows all about the importance of taking opportunities when they arise and has been doing just that with the Broncos this year.
Arthars, who recently signed a three-year contract extension with the club, has played in all but one of the club’s seven games this season, filling in on the wing while Corey Oates recovers from a broken jaw.
“When I got that opportunity, I just wanted to do the best I could for myself and the team, so I've really been enjoying it mate being back at the club,” Arthurs said from the winning sheds after the Broncos defeated the Titans in Round 7.
“I've been lucky with that (I have gotten an opportunity with Corey being injured), so I'm just trying to do my best for the team.”
Arthars returned to the club this year after spending the 2022 season on loan with the Warriors, an experience he was grateful for as it has helped him play some good football now for Brisbane.
“We (the Broncos) had a really good chat about what was going to happen when I was to come back, so I think me going to the Warriors was really good for my football and good for my confidence as well,” Arthars said.
“I got a few games there, that was sort of the plan, and it's worked out for us.
“I'm really grateful for those opportunities that both clubs gave me and happy to re-sign. It's been exciting.
“I think I just feel like I've grown a little bit more and I've got a little bit more experience over the years.
“I just feel a bit more confident, running out each week, and the coaching staff putting faith in me to do a job and I'm just grateful and really happy to be playing in this team.”
Arthars extends the lead
Debuting in the NRL with the Titans in 2019 where he played 12 games, Arthars scored a try as the Broncos proved too strong in the latest Queensland derby on Saturday night which was played in front on a sellout crowd of 26,563.
Still living on Gold Coast and close friends with a number of the Titans players, Arthars said he enjoyed getting one up on his former team.
“It's pretty good, obviously, it's a good feeling,” the 2023 New Zealand Māori All Stars representative, whose iwi is Ngāi Tahu, said.
“I still live down on the coast and I've got a lot of mates in that team, so it's pretty pleasing to get a win over them.
“There's a lot of mates playing against each other, which is cool bro, it’s cool to play against the mates and you obviously want to get over them.
“That's what makes it such a great rivalry.”
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Next up, Arthars and the Broncos will travel to Darwin to face the Eels on Friday night, with the side preparing to embrace the heat and humidity of the Top End.
“The last time the boys played up there, they said it was pretty hot,” Arthars said.
“So, we'll be preparing pretty well and I'm looking forward to the challenge.”