Player profile: Warriors' front rower Aaron Pene

In the lead-up to Vodafone Warriors' preseason trial match against Gold Coast Titans, front rower Aaron Pene chats with Moreton Daily...

Aaron Pene debuted with the Storm in 2020 and signed a two-year contract with the Warriors last year. This will be his first season with the club.

Pene said he was feeling fit and ready for the season to start, after a productive preseason.

“This is my first healthy preseason. Both preseasons that I had at Melbourne … I was injured for pretty much the majority of both of them. To be able to be healthy and to get some running in the legs in a new environment has been really positive for me. So, I’m just looking forward to what’s ahead now,” he said.

“I think it will pay its dividends throughout the season. I’m feeling good. I’ve dropped a little bit of weight, so hopefully that will come back up now that the running load has gone down. I’m ready to go.

“It (preseason) has been crazy. It’s been pretty tough, but I’ve come out the other side of it now and it’s Trials time.”

He is looking forward to taking on the Titans at Moreton Daily Stadium.

“Just to get some more minutes. The more minutes I can get now will set me up for the season and hopefully I’ll get picked round one and just go from there,” he said.

Favourite player growing up: "I always admired watching Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess, being that tough man up the middle. They were the two that I looked up to as I was coming through."

Best place to go for run in region: "I’m more of a sunrise kind of guy, I usually go to Scarborough on the point and look out to the ocean. It’s lovely and it’s close to home."

Favourite coffee spot: "Over There Café. It’s where all the boys go."

Goal this season: "To play consistent minutes and consistent footy. Obviously, my debut in 2020 – that was my only game for the season – and I got nine in 2021. Hopefully I can cement a regular spot and can play every week and build on consistency and minutes throughout the year."