Hickey: Leading By Example

Illawarra Cutters prop Jarred Hickey believes he has what it takes to become an important player for the Scarlets in 2013.

Hickey, 27, joined the Cutters midway through last season following his release from Super League Club Wakefield-Trinity Wildcats and played a leading role in the team’s sojourn to the NSW Cup finals.

The prop previously made 72 first-grade appearances for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs prior to his departure for Europe but is happy to be back on familiar soil.

"Training has been pretty good with a lot of new faces and while it’s taken a bit of time to gel we've been going good and picking up each week,” said Hickey.

“We've improved from week one to now and know its only four more weeks until the trials so we should be looking good heading into them.

"I think it'll just help the squad with a bit of leadership around them.

“I've been around a while and learnt a lot from those with more experience than me so I hope to guide the younger guys and teach them a couple of things to help them further their careers.

"I think we'll be up there again, hopefully a lot longer in the finals.

“We've got a great squad and as long as we can maintain most of the squad and get back some quality players from the Dragons we should go well."