It was frustrating to be stuck at home while his CYMS teammates started their Presidents Cup campaign last weekend but Jyie Chapman had a valid excuse.
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The CYMS centre has barely trained since suffering an ankle injury in the Challenge Cup loss to Wyong in February but has recovered and has been named to play for the Fishies in Saturday's meeting with the Maitland Pickers.
He could have played last week but opted to stay at home for some family time.
"My young fella has started junior footy so I wasn't going to miss that," Chapman said.
"It was unreal to go and watch him. He had a crack and it was good so he's part of the next generation of Fish."
Chapman, who admits he's still a little underdone after the ankle injury, and Alex Bonham will return for CYMS this weekend in a welcome boost for captain-coach Jarryn Powyer.
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CYMS is coming off a 32-16 loss to the North Sydney Bears last weekend but the country outfit pushed their city opponents for long periods.
They got within four points at one stage but a number of injuries saw the side tire and the Bears pulled away late on.
"I was on the phone and getting scores and updates," Chapman said.
"It was 20-16 there and it was a tremendous effort to stick it to the city side with a bit of a new mix team.
"It was a bit like a knockout team so to have a crack like that, you can't ask for much better."
This weekend shapes as another huge test against a Maitland side considered by many to a real contender in the cup.
If you don't want to play in games like this ... then you're in the wrong sport
- Jyie Chapman
The Pickers side is loaded with NRL experience and former Newcastle Knight and Sydney Rooster halfback Brock Lamb starred in the round one victory over Ron Massey Cup champions Wentworthville Magpies.
CYMS also goes into the match at Maitland No. 1 Sportsground without injured prop Jack Kavanagh but rather than be overawed by the test Chapman said it's one he and the Group 11 powerhouse and former Challenge Cup winner is savouring.
"It's great to play in these kind of things, like the Challenge Cup," Chapman said.
"People said we were no chance in that and look how it turned out.
"I've been saying it some people, if you play footy and you don't want to play in games like this against the big names then you're in the wrong sport.
"You don't want to play teams you beat by 30 or 40 points every week. This brings out the best in a team."
The action in Maitland kicks off at 3.30pm on Saturday and the match will be live-streamed by NSW Rugby League.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
