Change of role suits Kangaroos' Jake Mascini after his change of codes last year back to league

The 21-year-old was a standout after switching to fullback under new coach Simon Woolford last week and is looking to repeat the dose against Tumut at Equex Centre on Sunday.

Used in the halves last season, Mascini enjoyed a different challenge in the win over Brothers.

"I wasn't really expecting it but I'm happy to put my hand up and play wherever Simon wants me to play," Mascini said.

"I spent about five years playing fullback in juniors, so I have a little knowledge about it, but not playing there for five years you definitely forget about the basics."

Woolford was impressed with his input.

"I thought he was outstanding," Woolford said.

"We all saw the things he did with the ball but defensively he was really good too.

"He turned up in the right positions a lot of the time and it's a difficult job defending as a fullback with a lot of decisions to be made and I thought he got most of them right."

Mascini returned to rugby league last season after being part of Riverina League success with Wagga Tigers.

His former teammates went on to win another premiership while Kangaroos managed just the one win in the shortened season.

However he has no regrets on his decision to switch codes.

"I was playing at Tigers as I had a good group of mates there but came across for a bit of a change and with new recruits I'm finding new mates and it's a lot more enjoyable playing footy," Mascini said.

"It was a high to a low but it didn't really bother me.

"I've still got a connection to the club at Tigers, and they are always willing to have me back so there is no love lost there.

"I'm happy seeing them win and it was a bit frustrating with the result but this year is going to be good as I can see we're going to be a lot better."

He's hoping the move will pay off with plenty of new faces at Kangaroos this season.

"We're looking a lot more improved," Mascini said.

"We're more organised and structured with the new coach, everyone has more enthusiasm at training and we're all encouraging each other to play a lot better.

"With more competition and fighting for positions it's a lot better."

With Chris Maher suspended, Ritchie Herangi has been given his shot in the starting line up.

Woolford is also hoping to have Dakota Ruta at his disposal after the former Junee playmaker injured his hamstring in their first trial win over a month ago.

Coming off a 34-16 win over Brothers, Kangaroos are set for a much bigger test against Tumut.

While Woolford will get a much better indication of where the side is at, he doesn't want to put too much pressure on the clash.

"I know it's Tumut and they are a good team, one of the best teams, but at the end of the day it is round two" he said.

"I've said all along our guys will improve as the year goes on.

"We've had a good start to the year and while we want to turn up and give a good account of ourselves and want to win this match - win or lose - isn't going to define our season.

"I just want to see our guys compete and improve on last week."

--

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: