JUST like many NRL players, the 2020 NRL season has been a stop-start one for former Shellharbour Shark Euan Aitken.
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The 25-year-old wasn't picked for either of St George Illawarra's first two fixtures, before the season was delayed for COVID-19.
He then forced his way into the club's 17-man squad, albeit on the bench.
The 117-game veteran, after two strong games off the bench against the Warriors and Bulldogs, forced his way into the starting side at left centre.
Since then, he hasn't looked back, playing some of the best rugby league of his career.
As well as he was playing though, the Dragons - a club he's played six NRL season for - decided not to offer him a new contract, which led to him penning a three-year deal with the Warriors.
"They [the Dragons] decided to not offer me a new contract, so with a bit of interest out there, I weighed up my options before deciding the Warriors were the best option for me," Aitken, who admitted the keenness of the New Zealand-based franchise attracted him to the club, said.
"At the time, I thought I was playing good enough footy to warrant a new deal here.
"It is what it is though - I've moved on and aren't bitter at all.
"I've enjoyed my time here at the Dragons, with plenty of good experiences with our loyal fans but sometimes good things have to come to an end.
"With that being said, I'm really excited to get over to Auckland to join the Warriors once this season is done.
"The Warriors have obviously been through a lot this season with the COVID-19 but I believe that adversity will only make them stronger in the future.
"It's going to be a new chapter in the lives of my partner and I.
"We are both looking forward to facing the big challenge head on."
Aitken is just one of a number of new signings, including coach Nathan Brown and forward Kane Evans [Eels], the Warriors will have at their disposal from 2021.
"I've had a fair bit to do with Browny [Nathan Brown] over the years - he has a smart footy brain," he said.
"I have no doubt he'll help improve my game, which will allow me to help the already talented squad they have at the club.
"Especially having the chance to play outside Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and halves Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita, as well as behind one of the best up and coming forward packs in the competition."
"There's a real belief in the group we can still make finals," Aitken, who admits he was disappointed to miss that tackle that led to Kotoni Staggs' long-range try on Friday, said.
"I'd love nothing more than to finish my time here than with a finals appearance and I'll be doing everything in my power to help make that happen and I know Tyson Frizell [who will join Newcastle in 2021] feels the same way.
"Obviously a couple of things have to go our way for that the happen but all we can control is winning our games and it's important we take it week to week and not look too far ahead.
"Last week's win against the Broncos was a solid 80-minute performance, although there was still a couple of lapses in terms of discipline that allowed them back into the game.
"However, the fact we were prepared to play for the full 80 minutes is a great sign and something we can build on, because in the past, we've been guilty of dropping off.
"It's important we improve over the next five weeks and don't fall back on old habits."
Aitken also believes interim head coach Dean Young in the right man for the club moving forward - a mentor who he's played under at SG Ball, under 20s and now first grade.
"Dean has finally got the reward for all the hard work and effort he's put in over the years," the former NSW Country representative said.
"It's obviously hard for him to change too much in six weeks although he's made a couple of key tweaks, such as professionalism and athlete's approach to the game.
"He's a direct coach, who keeps it simple and I think there's only going to be good times ahead for the club."
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Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
