Leilua relishing shift to the engine room

The 22-year-old spent the bulk of his standout junior career on the left edge where he made his debut as a 20-year-old in 2016 and scored five tries in five starting appearances last season.

Hos role has changed dramatically in 2019, with the stand-down of Jack de Belin and the loss of Korbin Sims, Jeremy Latimore and James Graham to injury at different stages testing the club's middle-forward depth.

It's seen Leilua largely deployed as a bench weapon in the engine room where he's been named in the No. 13 jumper for Monday's clash with Canterbury.

How the club's Origin contingent come through game one could see a reshuffle, but Leilua said he's relishing the chance to mix it up in the middle.

"I love it, it's my favourite position now," Leilua said.

"It was challenging at first but now I've got the hang of things it's just about using my body and my skills best I can there in the middle.

"I can just play direct, run hard, tackle hard, without thinking too much until we get to the front of the field where my ball skills can come into play.

"Sometimes when you're stuck out on the edge you're just waiting for the ball, now if I want it I can just go in there and get it. I'm loving it at the moment."

It's also testament to his conditioning, something that's been questioned in the past and saw him go without a top-grade appearance in 2017.

Leilua sees it as a show of faith from McGregor, one he's eager to repay.

"There's not much rest in the middle but it's a good challenge for me and it's good to have the coaching staff trust me to play in there," Leilua said.

"I've got to pay Mary and the coaching staff back for picking me each week giving me that opportunity in the middle. I just want to take it with both hands.

"For me personally it's about playing consistent footy every time I'm in first grade and reminding Mary why I'm there."

McGregor had the luxury of resting the likes of Frizell through last year's Origin period but, with his side currently sitting 13^th on the ladder, he's unlikely have that luxury this season.

With de Belin unlikely to return and Graham still sidelined for 6-8 weeks, Leilua said he and fellow young-guns will need to fill the void amid what's traditionally a tough Origin period.

"For us young boys, and some of the older boys as well, it's time for us to step up and take the opportunities that we have," he said.

"It's up to us really, we've just got to turn up and work hard each week. It does hurt with the boys we do have out and obviously our Origin boys are away.

"Hopefully they can be back this week but injuries are just part of footy and we've got to deal with it and move forward."