York Knights will take on table-toppers Wigan Warriors this week, and back rower Jesse Dee is preparing to reunite with a former teammate.
Dee, who is one of many players to make the step up from Championship to Super League with the club, is performing well in the top flight, and has been a consistent part of the Knights’ early season success.
Making four appearances in both league and cup, the 31-year-old is competing with Oli Field and Josh Griffin for a starting jersey, and so far has been handed a place in the first 13 in each of his four games this season.
However, Thursday’s game will be by far his toughest test in his Knights career, as he faces the 2024 quadruple winners for the first time as professional.
“I’m heaps excited,” Dee told the media earlier this week. “I can’t wait. It should be a good challenge. I’m really excited for it.
“…I reckon they’ve probably been the benchmark. They’ve been really good, and started the season on fire. They’ve got good players all across the park, so it’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
Dee came through the ranks at St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL, and it was at that time he made friends with a current Warriors star, someone he still keeps in contact with to this day.
“I grew up with Jai Field, so I’m pretty disappointed he’s not playing, but I was always looking forward to that.
You always like versing your mate, so it’ll be cool… [I’m] always in touch with him. We’re always keeping in touch. He’s no good for this week, but it’s always good. We keep in touch with each other.
Asked if he saw signs of Field becoming the elite full-back he is today, Dee replied: “Yeah, for sure. He’s always had that ability and he’s always been a good player. Especially when I took him under my wing, I think it just took him to the next level.”
York Knights reaping rewards of Newcastle Thunder partnership
York are currently involved in a mutual agreement with Championship side Newcastle, a deal that sees the two sides train together consistently, learn off each other and share players on a week-to-week basis.
The likes of David Nofoaluma and King Vuniyayawa have featured for the Knights this season, whilst Sam Cook (no, not the SARL writer) has made the loan switch to his former club this week.
Dee, who has featured for both clubs in his career, commented on that parternship and how it is allowing both sides to prosper#
“[There is ] a lot of repetitions. We verse each other a lot, so I think that’s helping both teams.
“It’s good to see Newcastle back in the comp. It’s good for the boys to keep getting more reps in, versing each other, and high-quality reps. It’s been good.”
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