Canberra Raiders young gun Matt Timoko has praised the guiding influence of veteran Jordan Rapana after his promising display against Brisbane.
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Centre Timoko, 21, said his right-edge wing partner Rapana's influence throughout the build-up to and during Canberra's 38-16 win over the Broncos on Saturday was pivotal in easing the nerves of just his third NRL appearance - and first this season.
"Just through training when we were working on combos, he's really vocal with what he wants," Timoko said of Rapana.
"He's pretty good with talking and communicating. He was just talking to me the whole time, giving me bits of advice when I needed it. He was a real good role model for me out there.
"It was really good to get out there and showcase what I could do. [Coach] Ricky [Stuart] told me from the start to just enjoy my footy and not try and think too much about it and that's what I went out there to try and do."
Timoko felt "hopeful" of gaining more game time in the centres this season, amid the ongoing uncertainty over the futures of injured Canberra skipper Jarrod Croker and the off-field dramas plaguing the stood-down Curtis Scott.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart will name his round 15 team to play the St George Illawarra Dragons on Tuesday afternoon.
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Timoko's combination with Rapana on the right looked promising. Timoko showed impressive strength to brush aside two would-be tacklers to set up a try for half Sam Williams. He also topped the Green Machine's tackle count on the night with 32.
Timoko, who was lured to the capital after being spotted playing rugby union in his native New Zealand by Canberra's recruitment officer Peter Mulholland, could also be considered something of a good luck charm for the club.
Canberra has won all three matches he's played in, the most memorable undoubtedly being when the 'Baby Raiders' toppled the Sharks 38-28 in round 20 last year.
Timoko got to enjoy that "pretty cool" win even more when his "best mates" Adam Cook, Darby Medlyn and Jarrett Subloo made their NRL debuts.
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