This is the moment that Matthew Robinson declared to the rugby league world that he’d arrived.
Robinson’s brilliant pass to Michael Jennings mid-way through the second half of last weekend’s clash with the Roosters not only ended in a great try, but had Robinson’s name on everyone’s lips.
The 22-year-old enjoyed the best game of his career last Sunday, scoring his first try in the top grade and popping the brilliant ball that sent Jennings streaking away. Robinson said he felt over the moon with his performance last weekend.
“I think the game against the Roosters was my best game so far this year and I managed to get my first try as well, which I was pretty ecstatic about,” he said.
“I was literally gobsmacked scoring my first try, words can’t really express it – it was a dream come true really.”
Over the past 20 rounds, Robinson has divided his time between the Panthers and their NSW Cup feeder side, the Windsor Wolves.
Robinson said he hopes he can back-up from his recent performance and become a regular first-grader week-in, week-out.
“It’s hard to get your head around where you’re playing each week,” he said.
“You’ve just got to grasp your opportunities, like I did over the weekend, I put my best foot forward and hopefully I’ll retain my spot in the Panthers side.
“I believe to stay in the team I’ve just got to play the best footy I can, work on my defence and put everything Ivan’s (Cleary) taught me into fruition.”
Robinson was born and bred in Wellington, New Zealand and began his professional rugby league career with the New Zealand Warriors’ premiership winning Toyota Cup side, as well as their NSW Cup feeder team, Auckland Vulcans.
Robinson, who’s only contracted to the Panthers until the end of this season, hopes he can earn himself a contract extension for next year.
“I’m currently in negotiations for a new contract next year and hopefully all that goes well and it’s sorted as soon as possible,” he said.
Robinson hopes his good form will continue this Saturday against the Sharks.
