Matt Prior heard what his coach said about him last week.
And while some players would not enjoy the spotlight being shone on them so brightly, Prior is keen to prove himself worthy of Shane Flanagan’s praise.
Flanagan was quoted last week as saying Prior, already a premiership-winning prop and Cronulla’s joint player of the year, was ready to take the next step up to the Origin arena.
“That was a big wrap from Flano. It’s something I’d love to do, to play Origin but whether I do or not is another thing,” Prior said.
“I feel like physically and mentally I’m ready to play Origin. It’s definitely a challenge I’d like to take on.”
The 29-year-old will look to lead the enviable Sharks’ pack when they host Newcastle, the club that chased him hard for next season, on Saturday.
Prior re-signed with Cronulla for three seasons last week and although he gave the Knights’ offer consideration, the chance to stay and build on what the Sharks have already achieved was too tempting.
“I did speak with a few people at the Knights but I was happy to stay at the Sharks and I’m glad I’m staying for the next couple of years and everything has been sorted out,” he said.
“The playing group, the coaching staff, I feel like everything you need to be successful is here already. So there was no need to go anywhere else. I feel like the culture here is good, everything that you want in a club is already here so there was no real point going anywhere else.”
The Sharks have made an indifferent start to their title defence, scoring impressive wins over Canberra and Parramatta but losing tight matches to Brisbane and local rivals St George Illawarra.
Cronulla thrashed the Knights 98-4 on aggregate last season but Prior said that would count for little on Saturday as the Sharks look for their first win at home.
“There’s not really much you can take out of last year. The Knights are a different team this year. Already they’ve won one game and they’re playing much better footy than they were last year,” Prior said.
“Obviously take away the game on the weekend [against Penrith] and they’ve been pretty good. They’ve all been close contests the games they’ve been in.
“It was nice to be back in the winner’s circle [against Parramatta]. Our form still hasn’t been the best. We’re still giving away too many penalties and dropping the ball which is hurting us a bit. It was good to get the win. Hopefully we can keep improving.
“We’ve got to start stringing a few games together or those top teams will get away from us. Melbourne are all playing good footy as they do every year. You’ve got to be on par with them to stay in that top four or stay around it.”
