Like a bantamweight boxer against heavyweights, Luke Bateman is used to compensating for a lack of size with grit.
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That quality has helped the 21-year-old cement a first-grade career after re-signing with Canberra Raiders until the end of 2018.
Bateman gives away kilos to his rivals every week but his fearless, bull-at-a-gate approach is keeping dual Mal Meninga medallist Shaun Fensom and Paul Vaughan out of first grade.
"Growing up I was never the biggest forward, I've always had to run harder than other blokes," Bateman said.
"That's how my whole football career has been really.
"I don't think anyone ever said I was too small to make it, [but] there were times there when I was a bit younger people talking about me being a hooker."
Having played 14 games this year the lock or front rower is viewed as a key pillar of Canberra's future.
The Queensland product is hopeful there's room for his mates as the third-placed Raiders work hard to keep one of the NRL's youngest teams together.
"I know Don [Furner, Raiders chief executive] is working hard to make sure the core group of players stay here for the long term, and we have got a young group," Bateman said.
"Hopefully no one gets squeezed out, the salary cap is a massive jigsaw puzzle so I'll let them work that out.
"I made it very clear to Ricky [Stuart, coach] early on I wanted to stay here. I said to my manager back at the start of the year if I have to go somewhere else I will, but I'm very keen on staying here.
"I knew this was my last year on-contract, to be in the position now where my form has guaranteed I stay here, I'm very happy with that."
Veteran Raiders forward Sia Soliola said Bateman's form this year meant Stuart had no option but to give him an extended run in first grade.
"What he lacks in size he makes up for in spirit, he's a tough kid with a good work ethic and a great attitude," Soliola said.
"He's come on in leaps and bounds this year and it was an easy decision for Ricky to put him in the team, his form just forced his hand."
Bateman was placed on a scholarship by the Raiders when he was 12 and has more than justified that nine-year investment.
He is averaging close to 90 metres a game, mostly from the bench, in his 14 games this year.
"When I was coming through the juniors it was pretty common, a lot of 12 and 13-year-olds were getting scholarships with clubs," Bateman said.
"Having a club show some faith in you, it was probably a good thing as a young kid.
"It gives you something to strive for. I put a lot of effort into impressing the Raiders if a scout was there [at carnivals]."
Bateman and Canberra's young forwards face another tough test against a Jesse Bromwich-led Melbourne Storm at home on Monday night.
Canberra will approach the game against the ladder leaders full of confidence after ending Cronulla's 16-game unbeaten run in Sydney last week.
"This is the second week in a row our forwards have come up against a very tough pack and it's a very big challenge for us," Bateman said.
"Sticky [Stuart] and Deano [assistant coach Dean Pay] have talked to us about that and we're taking the same mindset we took into Cronulla.
"They're known for being very good in the wrestle, we have to speed up a few play the balls, scatter a few blokes and not let them dictate it on their terms."
MONDAY
NRL round 23: Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium, 7pm
Tickets available from Ticketek
TV: Live on Fox Sports 1
