Paulo’s inclusion in the NSW Origin squad at the end of last season has only added to his experience and, he says, his desire to lead from the front foot.
“I’ve come back in better nick than I have in previous years, I was 128kg at the start of the summer, I got out to 139kg during the World Cup [with Samoa in 2017], now I’m 119kgs,” Paulo said.
Junior Paulo enjoys a push and shove with Queensland’s Lindsay Collins in Origin II.Credit:Getty Images
“Fitness was definitely one of the first areas I wanted to improve this year. And I also want to get the balance right when it comes to knowing when to play footy and when to play that tough, grinding-style of footy, which I know I can do.
“In terms of leadership, you pick up traits when you’re around the quality players and coaching staff at Origin, and you want to be able to bring that back and impose it here at the Eels.″
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Eels coach Brad Arthur has spoken in recent weeks about the need for Paulo to become that enforcer in his pack. If Mitchell Moses is to go to that next level, the No. 7 will need Paulo and the props to be getting the team on the front foot.
It is a shame Paulo, now 28 and entering his best years as a front-rower, will not square up with Payne Haas, the young Broncos giant will serve the first of a three-match ban for his X-rated rant at police over the summer.
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