Jack Stockwell at Dragons training. Picture: ADAM McLEAN
RUGBY LEAGUE
If Jack Stockwell has his way, Beau Scott's name won't be the only one synonymous with Picton and NRL talent.
And ironically it's the offseason exit of the Knights-bound premiership winner which has helped pave for the way for Stockwell to make a name for himself.
The former Australian Schoolboy is poised to add to his three NRL caps to date after being a surprise inclusion on Steve Price's extended five-man bench for the Melbourne trip.
Weakened with the exits of Scott and Dean Young (retirement) since last season, Stockwell represents part of the new breed Red V fans have pinned their faith in.
The 21-year-old admits there will be a tinge of familiarity if the club's latest Picton Magpie is afforded the opportunity to play against the Storm.
"When he [Scott] was down here he was a pretty good mate of mine," Stockwell said. "It was good to learn off Beau.
"He started off in a little country town like I did and hopefully I will be like him and hopefully I can make a name for myself."
Quizzed on whether Scott's exit may have inadvertently helped him establish himself in the Dragons' top squad, Stockwell said: "Other players come into the squad and everyone has to work hard for their positions. It's always like that in every team.
"You just got to do the best you can and hopefully put your best foot forward and hopefully get picked."
Stockwell's emergence should be no surprise, but the manner in which he has burst into contention for the top squad has even impressed teammates.
Handed an NRL debut in the one-point heartbreaker against Souths last season, Stockwell said his inclusion in the travelling part to Melbourne came as a "pleasant surprise".
"It speaks [volumes for] how my pre-season went and how hard I have tried and applied myself throughout the pre-season," he said. "It's just a real pleasant surprise to be there for round one.
"I'd love to get a start in the 17. It would be a dream come true to go down to Melbourne to play in round one, play the premiers on their own soil. Anything can happen, but I'm just happy to be part of the squad this week. I'll take it in and hopefully more will come."
Seasoned prop Dan Hunt added: "Young guys like Jack Stockwell have really stood up. He's impressed me massively in the pre-season."