An NRL debut as a starting forward in the Raiders' biggest game of the season could have been all too much for Hohepa Puru, if not for his coach and teammates ensuring he felt he already belonged in the arena.
Having turned 21 less than two months ago, Puru, or 'Pep' as he's known at the Raiders, was thrust into the lock position to face Cameron McInnes and co for the Round 27 clash with the Sharks.
Any potential self-doubt was squashed after learning it was his teammates who pushed for him to be the man to replace the suspended Corey Horsburgh, for a game which was...