Not hard to be half Humble

PENRITH recruit Tom Humble will get first crack at replacing injured five-eighth Lachlan Coote when his team hosts the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Tom Humble

PENRITH Panthers recruit Tom Humble will get first crack at replacing injured five-eighth Lachlan Coote when his team hosts the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Centrebet Stadium on Sunday.

Humble, 24, is well known for his utility value but is focused on playing in the halves for the rest of his career.

"When I was at the 20s for the Cowboys I played at fullback and I sort of stayed there," Humble said.

"I went to Parramatta and Wests Tigers and became a utility player but all my juniors I was in the halves.

"I spoke to (coach) Ivan (Cleary) when I came to the Panthers and I have only trained in the halves since I have been here. Hopefully now with Coote out I can keep that spot."

Against a red-hot Rabbitohs side, Humble said he would focus on taking the pressure off halfback Luke Walsh.

"They have a really strong pack and GI (Greg Inglis) is a big strike weapon, so we've got a lot to look after," he said.

"But first and foremost we have to focus on our own game.

"I think for my first game I've got to focus on my defence and taking a bit of pressure off Walshy with the kicking.

"I also want to develop my running game again."

BACKGROUND

* Made NRL debut for Parramatta in 2010

* Played six games for the Eels and 15 for Wests Tigers