A star in the making, young Melbourne halfback Jonah Pezet has no shortage of mentors as he kicks off his NRL career.
Just turned 20, Pezet made his top-grade debut in place of playmaker Cameron Munster in the Storm's shock four-point loss to Gold Coast last round.
He scored a try after 10 minutes but couldn't steer a below-par Melbourne home.
Pezet will likely get another start against Wests Tigers on Friday night at AAMI Park, with Munster still overcoming a serious finger injury and No.7 Jahrome Hughes facing the judiciary.
Pezet's father Troy played for Parramatta and South Queensland Crushers and presented the youngster with his first Storm jersey, while almost 40 friends and family turned out to watch him run out against the Titans.
"That jersey presentation was probably one of the most special moments in my life, and after the game dad and mum were really proud of me," Pezet told AAP.
"He's always been there giving me tips and pointers along the way and just encouraging me - he's been really good for my own game development and he's always there supporting me."
Pezet said former Melbourne halfback Brett Kimmorley as well as injured Storm fullback and flatmate Ryan Papenhuyzen were also valuable sounding boards.
Pezet played junior football with the Valentine Devils in the Newcastle competition - the same club as Storm premiership player Kimmorley.
"I was really honoured to pull on the purple jersey as one of the inaugural players Brett Kimmorley is also a Valentine Devil," Pezet said.
"I've done some work with him in Future Blues camps and his photo and name is above my locker. He flicked me a text on Friday night which was really special."
Pezet made a massive impact with NSW in last year's under-19 State of Origin, setting up four tries to be named player of the match.
In December the Storm locked him down on a new deal until the end of 2025.
A budding golfer who has improved his handicap from 19 to 12 in three months, Pezet has spent plenty of time on the fairways with Papenhuyzen, who is still recovering from a shattered kneecap.
"I'm always picking his brain, and the same with Munster - his brain's got a 1000 things going through it but when you can pick the right thing out of it it's always a good thing," Pezet said.
"I'm happy sitting here and biding my time, learning off blokes like Jahrome Hughes and Munster - it's really good for my development."
The Storm are looking to improve their ball control and discipline against the winless Tigers.
"Just show care about the footy, that's a big thing," Pezet said.
"It's a team performance and if we all give our best, we can beat any team."
