CESSNOCK captain-coach Harry Siejka has welcomed the addition of former Wakefield teammate Pita Godinet and feels he can make a difference in this year's Newcastle Rugby League competition.
Siejka says Godinet will likely start off the bench in what shapes as the Samoan international's first appearance for the Goannas, who are due to host Lakes on Saturday.
Godinet, who played a combined 29 NRL games for the Warriors, Manly and Tigers between 2011 and 2018, missed Cessnock's opening-round win over Western Suburbs last weekend.
"We're pretty fortunate to be able to get someone like that up here," Siejka said.
"I like him as a hooker, he's really crafty out of dummy-half, but in saying that he's a very good halfback or five-eighth as well.
"He's in this week and I'll probably bring him off the bench to start with. I just think until Pita finds his feet, his role is going to be adding a bit of spark off the bench. Once he gets going I'd like him to be in there and rolling 80 [minutes].
"Pita played in our trial game against West Devils three weeks ago and looked sharp. It was his first game for nine or 10 months after finishing up in France and didn't miss a beat."
Godinet joins the squad fresh from a 14-10 victory over the Rosellas at Cessnock Sportsground.
"We had a lot of boys out and a few things happen before kick-off so it was a really good win considering everything we went up against," Siejka said.
Siejka (hamstring) remains in doubt while Kori Barber, Reed Hugo and Pat Robards are all unavailable.
Wests visit the Pickers at Maitland Sportsground on Saturday.
Play in both matches gets underway at 3pm.
Kurri Kurri v Macquarie and The Entrance v Souths have been washed out. Wyong v Central was already called off earlier this week.
