'Not at all': Pint-sized Rabbitohs fullback unfazed by looming battle with Latrell Mitchell
Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray isn't worried about only being in the role for a short-term stint, taking every opportunity to learn from superstar teammate Latrell Mitchell.
The 21-year-old - who is the equal-shortest player in the competition alongside Trai Fuller at just 170cm - starred for South Sydney in their season opener on Friday night.
Gray finished with a game-high 280 run metres, four tackle breaks and a try assist as the Bunnies overcame plenty of adversity to topple the Dolphins.
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However, the youngster will likely only wear the No.1 jumper for another month until the club's most high-profile player comes back from a hamstring injury.
Latrell Mitchell is rehabbing a hamstring issue. Getty
Speaking to media on Monday morning, Gray was quizzed about how he will handle the eventual return of Mitchell - but shut down any concerns over being dropped.
"Not at all - I've been given the opportunity, I'm still young and I take every opportunity I can and while I'm playing fullback, I will just enjoy it," he said.
"He [Latrell] teaches me a fair bit. He is a good fella in and around the changerooms. He was out there today tipping me up on stuff that I can improve on.
"He's a good mentor and a good mate as well."
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Gray was part of a new-look spine that had some nice moments in round one, with halfback Jamie Humphreys looking right at home after an off-season move from Manly.
But while Humphreys has turned heads due to his bulging arms and chiseled physique, Gray has always been one of the smallest players on the field at all levels of footy.
Despite his size and being told during his formative years he would struggle to make it to the top grade, Gray believes there are "positives" to being short in stature.
Jye Gray in action against the Dolphins. Getty
"Probably a couple of times [I was told that], but I just blew it off and knew if I worked hard enough, I feel like I'd be able to one day play at the top grade," he said.
"I've never been big, so coming through I always had to play against the bigger men. I feel like I get some positives that come out of being smaller.
"I'm lower to the ground and move a bit easier than the bigger boys. As much as I'm playing above my weight, I feel like there's some positives there too."
Gray is expected to retain the No.1 jumper against the Dragons in round two, while head coach Wayne Bennett weighs up a selection dilemma between Humphreys and fellow recruit Lewis Dodd, who was unavailable due to suspension for the first game.
