Stapleton ran onto the field in guernsey number 23 in the place of injured Bronx Goodwin three minutes from half time.

19-year-old Stapleton said he had been training with the top side full time and could not wait to make his debut at home in the local derby against the St George Dragons.

“Its not about how big or strong you are its about consistency if you can prove that you are consistent and play every week your skill and everything will come with it,” he said.

Stapleton played 43 minutes of the game at fullback. He made 15 gets, two tackles, one 1-on-1 tackle, defused two bombs, made two tackle breaks, six dummy half runs making 57m and made a total of 13 runs of 115m and was described as one of the highlights for the beaten Sharks.

“I thought I went alright for my first game. I was a bit nervous and my adrenaline was pumping. The wait on the bench was the worst part,” he said. “Once I got on the field I was involved in the game straight away and started following orders.”

Stapleton said his parents Debbie and Mick were in the crowd and were even more nervous than he was but very proud of him.

Stapleton hasn’t been told whether he will play again this weekend but with Goodwin out for six to eight weeks Stapleton has the chance to hold the spot if he keeps his performance up.

“If not I will be happy to go back to Toyota Cup and try to work my way up again,” he said.

Since making the switch from Rugby Union punters had tipped Stapleton to this year make his NRL debut stating it was only a matter of time as the young Shark holds favour with coach Ricky Stuart who likens him to Anthony Minichello.