Jarrod Mullen wants his 200th NRL game to be a victorious one

ON the eve of his 200th NRL game Jarrod Mullen says his focus is solely on the future and the challenge he has faced for almost his entire career – taking his game to another level.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Jarrod Mullen of the Knights looks dejected after a Rabbitohs try during the round two NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Newcastle Knights at ANZ Stadium on March 12, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

JARROD Mullen knows better than anyone about pressure and how it comes with the territory.

For almost 12 seasons, his game has been scrutinised, analysed, pulled apart and criticised.

All largely because of an expectation of just how good he should be.

Jarrod Mullen looks dejected after a Rabbitohs try during the round two NRL match.

It’s what happens when you are a teenage prodigy who debuts at 18, is picked for NSW in Origin at 20 and is anointed as the player to fill the void left behind by the game’s greatest playmaker.

But on the eve of his 200th NRL game tomorrow, against the Canberra Raiders, Mullen 28, says his focus is solely on the future and the challenge he has faced for almost his entire career – taking his game to another level.

The pressure to perform is as great as it’s ever been, with highly rated youngster Brock Lamb snapping at his heels and coach Nathan Brown demanding all his senior players stand-up and be accountable.

“We’ve had a good chat this week and Mullo knows exactly where he stands with me,” Brown said.

“It’s the same with all the players. Nothing gets sugar-coated and it’s about how people respond.

“Mullo came out and was really switched on at training and had his best session since I have been here. That’s what we need consistently from him and all our senior players.”

Jarrod Mullen will play his 200th match this weekend.

Brown is hoping Mullen’s milestone, the debut of teenage local junior Cory Denniss and the club’s first game at home this season will help left the team against the Raiders after two heavy defeats to start the season.

“Any player to play 200 games is a good achievement anyway but to do it at your home town where you grew up makes it even bigger,” Brown said of Mullen.

“We’ve also got young Cory making his debut and a number of players who have already played two games this year making their debut at home as well so collectively, you’d like to make it a special occasion for all of them.”

On his 200 game milestone, Mullen said:

“It’s a pretty big achievement playing your 200th game for the club you grew up supporting and in the town that you live in and love,” he said.

“It’s going to be a big occasion for my family and I. It’s a big one but I’d rather a win first.”

Originally published as Jarrod Mullen wants his 200th NRL game to be a victorious one