He was one of the forgotten heroes of the Sydney Roosters' NRL premiership campaign but Paul Momirovski denies being stuck behind Latrell Mitchell was the catalyst for his decision to move to the Wests Tigers.
Momirovski played a small but important role in the Roosters' charge to last year's title, being called in to replace Mitchell for their grand final qualifier against South Sydney after the NSW and Australian centre was suspended for a crusher tackle.
Not only did the 22-year-old stand up to the biggest test of his young career, he scored a crucial 70th minute try in the 12-4 win.
He was ultimately overlooked for the Roosters' grand final victory over Melbourne however that couldn't dampen the confidence he took out of the experience of contributing to the Tri-Colours' 14th premiership.
"It did a lot for my confidence, just to know I can be on the field with those types of people," Momirovski said.
"To go out there and get the win, it was just a relief for me. Because I only played two games last year.
"It was a game that mattered and that adds pressure. You don't want to be the person that slots in and derails the season."
Momirovski's only other appearance in 2018 came in the Roosters' controversial round 18 win over the Gold Coast before signing a two-year deal with the Tigers.
He now shapes as a contender to fill a vacancy in Tigers backline this year, battling it out with the likes of Mahe Fonua and Corey Thompson for a spot in the back five.
Momirovski denies the chance to play regular first-grade drove his decision to move to the joint venture, saying he simply thought it was the best environment to get the most out of his career.
"I wouldn't say that (because his path to first-grade was blocked at the Roosters he moved to the Tigers) because you just never know that's what you're going to be doing," Momirovski said.
"People can make changes up until June 30. You're never secure in a spot.
"You've just got to make the decision that at the time you think is going to make me a better person, a better footballer."
