Handed the centre spot at the start of the year, Wests Tigers centre Esan Marsters has grabbed the chance with both hands.
In fine form and producing play-after-play, Marsters has cemented the spot as his own.
His good form has been rewarded with a new contract until the end of the 2020 season.
After making his debut in round 13 of the 2017 season, Marsters has since played in 19 NRL games.
In the end, the feeling of loyalty and opportunity prompted Marsters to stay.
“It was definitely an easy choice for me to stay at Wests Tigers,” said Marsters.
“They gave me a chance to play first-grade here and I really want to pay them back by playing some good footy.
“I just enjoy being around this club, all the boys are really tight and I’ve got some of my best mates here.”
Equally important to Marsters is Ivan Cleary, a coach that the young centre enjoys playing under.
“We’re all pretty close on the field and it’s really reflecting on the field,” Marsters continued.
“In saying that, I really want to play for Ivan as well.
He’s stuck by me this entire time so I really want to play some good footy for him and just finish the year on a good note.”
Although they are flying high, Marsters said the Tigers side are still looking to improve further.
“I think all the boys are really close this year and do things for each other,” he said.
“We’re showing on the field what we can do and I’m really happy to be a part of it.
“We definitely want to keep improving and working hard as a team and that’s the most important thing.”
With the way he is playing, the spot is his to lose as head coach Ivan Cleary looks forward to continuing their tenure.
“Esan is developing into an impressive player and I look forward to working with him on the next part of his career with Wests Tigers,” said Cleary.
“In a short period of time he’s shown himself to be a very valuable member of our team and we look forward to seeing him develop further over the coming two seasons.”