By Liam Cook

Young Souths’ prodigy Mone Ma’afu says his side’s form is on the improve as they get ready for a Saturday afternoon contest with GPS at Yoku Road.

The Magpies secured their first victory of the season against Sunnybank last week after a challenging start to the 2022 season.

“It was a slow start for the team,” Ma’afu told Rugby News.

“If it was from a scale of one-ten I’d give it a six right now.”

As Souths have played the fewest games of any team in the competition in this year’s Hospital Cup, the Magpies ladder position is not a great indicator of their true form line.

The boys from Chipsy Wood drew with Norths in round one and were very competitive against the top two team’s UQ and Bond.

Mone Ma’afu says his personal form has replicated the patchy efforts of the team.

“It was a slow start for me and the team.”

“ I struggled to find some form on the wing as it isn’t my preferred position. However, I’m starting to pick up my game.

“I would probably give myself the same rating as our team, six out of ten.”

The young talent was everywhere in Souths first win of the season against Sunnybank at home last weekend.

Ma’afu crossed the line twice and set up his teammate Tye James with an incredible no look pass to score the matchwinner.

“It was definitely a surprise scoring two,” he said.

“Our past games I didn’t really get many touches so to score two was definitely a good feeling.

“We were really happy to get the first win on the board.”

The winger idolised Quade Cooper growing up and has been at Souths for much of his rugby journey.

Ma’afu says he has loved playing with fellow outside back Sebastian Hanna since reaching premier grade.

“I’ve definitely loved playing with Sebastian.”

“He is always playing his heart out and leaving nothing on the field. On top of that he’s just a really good guy.”

Souths have a chance to secure consecutive victories for the first time this year when they face GPS away from Chipsy Wood Oval this weekend.

Ma’afu says a big defensive effort will be required to combat the Galloper’s attack.

“I think they’ll look to come wide to my channel a lot,” Ma’afu said.

“I haven’t been so strong defensively and I will look to improve this week.

“GPS are a good team and it will be a tough game at their home ground.”

Souths are expecting a tough challenge this weekend despite injuries to key GPS personnel.

Last year’s colt’s flyhalf and player of the grand final Sebastian Ward will replace the experienced Pat Nicholson in an unfamiliar fullback role. 2021 colt’s skipper Ben Byrne will slot in at flanker for Nick Baker and the powerful Jacob Ragai will fill Mitch Treleaven’s wing role.