St George Illawarra winger Kalifa Faifai Loa is grateful for his NRL return this weekend when the Dragons play the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park.
Faifai Loa has only played one NRL game in 2017 - in Round 11 against the Warriors - and paid back coach Paul McGregor's faith with two tries at Hamilton's FMG Stadium.
The dual New Zealand and Samoan international has been picked in the NRL this week in Josh Dugan's absence.
"I was pretty happy with my performance. Even the coach talked to me after the game and told me he was happy with it too," Faifai Loa said.
"I guess that's why he's picking me again while Josh Dugan is away playing Origin. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I hope to work hard for my team this week."
"I'm happy to be where I am now. If I'm in the NRL team, I'll be there for the team. If I'm not then I'm happy to keep working hard in the Intrust Super Premiership," Faifai Loa added.
"Obviously my aim is always to play first grade but I'm happy biding my time in both grades at the moment."
Faifai Loa will also be participating in the St Vinnes Sleepout on June 22 and is hopeful of raising a bit of money in name of improving the livelihood of the homeless.
"Hopefully my partner Tamara and I are able to donate some money," Faifai Loa said.
"Our goal is to reach $5000 so hopefully we hit that by next Thursday."
